A night cruise on the Pearl River is a quintessential Guangzhou experience. As dusk falls, the gentle breeze and glittering city skyline offer a refreshing escape. The cruise vessels themselves, elegantly illuminated and decorated, are attractions in their own right, and a new addition has recently made its debut.
Dubbed Jixiang Fang ("Auspicious Boat"), it is the Pearl River's first immersive Nanyue-themed cruise vessel. Its exterior is designed to resemble a dragon soaring through the clouds, while the interior incorporates Baiyue totems and Han Dynasty motifs alongside an extended court-style stage that serves as an interactive performance space. On the top deck, a throne inspired by the King of Nanyue offers a picture-perfect photo opportunity. Framed by a 360-degree panoramic view of the river and cityscape, it has become a popular highlight for visitors.
During its trial operations, the vessel hosts Dunhuang dance performances, cultural quizzes, and Apsara pose competitions, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery of this millennia-old trading port while exploring the enduring legacy of the Silk Road. Passengers have praised it as a truly one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

