Tourism boats glide through the lotuses on the Weishan Lake in Jining. [Photo/WeChat account: jnwhlyj]

The Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal has emerged as Shandong's newest cruise destination and Jining is steering the way. The "canal No 1" series inland cruise will set off on its maiden voyage from the city's Nanyang ancient town in just a few days, marking the launch of the first dedicated tourism brand for the Shandong section of the Grand Canal.

Of the province's eight premium routes, six are located in Jining, covering scenic stretches from Nanyang ancient town to Guozhuang port and featuring lotus-viewing at Huihe Wetland and water-town excursions around Weishan Island.

The cruise fleet includes the Qilu, Shandong's first hybrid-electric inland passenger ship, designed to reduce emissions and noise while offering a quieter, more comfortable ride. Eleven of the 13 docks along the route have been upgraded to support the new service.