China's first domestically built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, set sail from a port in Shanghai on Monday, embarking on its inaugural commercial voyage and marking a new chapter for the country's shipbuilding and cruise industries.

Carrying over 3,000 passengers, the ship departed from the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal and is anticipated to arrive at Northeast Asian tourist destinations, including Nagasaki and Fukuoka in Japan, as well as Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea, before returning on Sunday.

The routes will be further expanded in the future, with additional options being introduced, including destinations in Southeast Asia and countries that are partners in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Adora Magic City measures 323.6 meters in length, has a gross weight of 135,500 tonnes, and can host up to 5,246 passengers in a total of 2,125 guest rooms, according to its builder, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS), which is part of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation.

It features 16 floors and offers a total of 40,000 square meters of public living and recreational space for travelers.

The construction of large cruise ships such as the Adora Magic City represents a significant advancement in China's overall shipbuilding capabilities, as noted by Chen Gang, general manager of SWS.

After eight years of scientific research and five years of design and construction, the ship was delivered in November, showcasing the depth of expertise in the local shipbuilding industry.

The ship's atrium has been beautifully decorated in a Chinese style, where a welcome party was hosted for travelers during the boarding process.

Inside, it boasts numerous functional areas dedicated to catering, entertainment, leisure, and accommodation services for guests.

An art corridor on board exhibits Dunhuang grotto murals, allowing guests to experience 16 iconic murals, including detailed historical and decorative patterns that highlight Chinese culture.

"You can take a quiet stroll through the corridor and experience the historical origins of Chinese culture," remarked passenger Sheng Xing.

The delivery of the Adora Magic City signifies that China has acquired all three "pearls" in the shipbuilding industry, alongside large liquefied natural gas carriers and aircraft carriers, establishing a new standard for local craftsmanship.