TIANJIN - Cruise ports along the Chinese coast have received over 18 million tourists since the country opened its domestic port market to passenger liners in 2006, authorities said.

According to China Communications and Transportation Association (CCTA), 15 cruise ports in China had received 5,807 passenger liners with 18.1 million outbound and inbound tourists by the end of 2017.

China's cruise industry has experienced rapid development over the past decade, witnessing diversified services and development of a complete industry chain, the CCTA said.