Construction of a new homeport for cruise ships is underway in Guangzhou's Nansha district; a giant project that will boost the city's tourism and help it become an international cruise gateway by 2019.

The new terminal will cost 17 billion yuan ($2.47billion) and include a 100,000-ton berth and a 225,000-ton berth capable of holding largest cruise ships in the world.

Once put into operation in 2019, the number of passengers boarding at the port is expected to reach 750,000 per year.

The large passenger throughput will require the metro line to be extended to the port as well as more buses and vehicle access.

Besides adequate amenities for tourists, such as an exhibition hall, high-end restaurants, and duty-free shops, the port will be the first in the country open to the public.

Cruise ships operating from Nansha began in 2016, and have received 326,000 passengers in less than half a year.

Passengers board a cruise ship at Nansha Port in Guangzhou. [Photo by Li Xuyang/Guangzhou Daily]