China launches direct route from Shanghai to Venice

Operated by China Eastern Airlines, the new service uses an Airbus A330 aircraft, offering three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Passengers said the direct flight will nearly cut travel time by half, as they previously had to fly to France or other cities in Italy before transferring to Venice, which took a total of 20 to 24 hours, Shanghai Daily reported.

In December last year, China waived visa requirements for citizens from several European countries, including Italy, as the world's second-largest economy looks to revive its tourism industry.

Shanghai, located on China's central coast, is the country's largest city and a global financial center, with The Bund waterfront lined with colonial-era buildings.

Venice, known for its iconic gondolas, winding canals, and stunning architecture, remains one of the world's most sought-after tourist destinations.