China Celebrates 21st National Maritime Day with Green Navigation Theme
From July 10 to 12, China is celebrating its 21st National Maritime Day in Boao, Qionghai City, in south China’s Hainan Province. With the theme “Green Navigation, Striving for New Progress,” the event highlights China’s commitment to sustainable maritime development.
This year’s celebration holds special significance as it marks the 620th anniversary of Zheng He’s maiden voyage to the Western Seas. Six hundred and twenty years ago, the famed Chinese mariner embarked on his epic expeditions, promoting peaceful exchange and extending China’s maritime reach across the oceans.
To foster public understanding and appreciation of maritime culture, 120 national maritime science popularization education bases across China are opening their doors to the public during the event. Volunteers are offering interactive lectures, providing unique opportunities for people of all ages to learn about maritime history, technology, and environmental protection.
A major highlight of this year’s celebration is the official awarding of the Lingao Lighthouse in Hainan with the prestigious “Heritage Lighthouse of the Year 2025” title by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities. This marks a historic first for China. Constructed in 1894, the Lingao Lighthouse stands as the oldest existing modern lighthouse on Hainan Island and serves as a crucial navigational aid for the Qiongzhou Strait that separates the island from the Chinese mainland.
Recent years have seen remarkable progress in China’s maritime sector, underscoring the nation’s dedication to advancing maritime technology, promoting sustainable practices, and preserving its profound maritime legacy. COSCO Shipping’s N997, the world’s first 700 TEU pure battery-powered container ship, successfully completed its sea trials, marking a significant step toward greener shipping.
Additionally, the “Adora Magic City”, China’s first domestically built large cruise ship, has officially entered commercial operation, signifying a new era for the nation’s cruise industry.
The National Maritime Day celebrations not only honor China’s rich maritime history but also showcase its ongoing efforts to innovate and lead in sustainable maritime endeavors.
