As the Sept 23 grand opening of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou approaches , the city is gearing up to showcase its unique charm to domestic and international visitors. Among the exciting attractions awaiting attendees is a fleet of five brand-new, environmentally friendly cruise ships manufactured by companies based in Binhu district, Wuxi, Jiangsu province.

These cutting-edge vessels are set to offer a memorable experience for tourists eager to explore the beauty of Hangzhou and the Grand Canal.

The "New Yellow Dragon" cruise ship is made by a Binhu company. [Photo/WeChat account: wxbhfb]

One of the ships, known as "New Yellow Dragon", was manufactured by Wuxi Dongfang High-speed Craft Development Co Ltd. This impressive vessel has a length of 40.05 meters and an average speed of 16.5 kilometers per hour, and can accommodate up to 150 passengers. It features design elements inspired by Hangzhou's rich cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the city's seal culture, silk production, and classical landscape paintings.

The other four ships were constructed by Wuxi Dongfang High-Performance Ship Engineering Co Ltd and are similar to the "New Yellow Dragon" in terms of length, speed, and passenger capacity.

All five ships are equipped with a hybrid power system that combines lithium batteries with diesel engines. In pure electric mode, they offer zero emissions and a quiet, comfortable cruising experience, while the diesel power mode allows for a longer range.

As there is a growing trend towards electric vessels in the shipping and tourism sectors in China, particularly the Yangtze River Delta region, Binhu district's shipbuilding industry is expected to embrace new opportunities for growth.