scene of the forum

Shanghai vice mayor Zhao Wen

Liu Jinping, member of the Party leadership group of the National Tourism Administration, and leader of the discipline inspection group stationed in the administation

The under-construction cruise ship terminal at Shanghai's northern Wusong estuary was the focus of discussion in an Expo forum themed "water tourism and urban life" in Baoshan District over the weekend.

The terminal, to be finished by 2010, will allow international tourists to cruise into Shanghai and pleasure boats and yachts to sail up the Huangpu River and reach the Expo site.

Experts said promoting water-related tourism will not only help incubate a production chain for cruise ships and yachts, but also push services and tourism development and explore the potential of an emerging industry in Shanghai's economy. They were optimistic about the future of water-related tourism.

Qian Yongchang, chairman of the China Communications and Transportation Association

Zhu Yonglei, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination

scene of the forum

Dotted with many rivers and lakes, Shanghai boasts rich water resources. Most of the rivers, including Suzhou Creek, Chuanyang River and Dianpu River, are tributaries of the Huangpu River. Originating from Taihu Lake, the 113-kilometer-long Huangpu River winds through the downtown of the city.

Dao Shuming, director of the Shanghai Tourism Administration, said next year's Expo will offer a golden opportunity for local tourism development, including water-related tourism, which has huge potential because current resources fall far short of demand.

The forum is one of several Shanghai district and county forums.

Editor: Hu Min