A maritime tourist route between Beihai in the Chinese province of Guangxi and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam's northern province of Quang Ninh is to start operating early this April.
On March 5, high-speed cruise liner Beiyou 16 with 22-member crew on board safely docked at Tuan Chau port, the departing site for Ha Long Bay trip, to test-run the service.
Following the trial run, the first three-hour voyage will operate on the route this April with two trips carrying 800 passengers on average each a week.
The new service is expected to promote tourism and marine transport in Ha Long Bay, the world's heritage site and wonder. It will offer the two countries a chance to boost bilateral trade and introduce their cultures in a more rapid, convenient and safe way.