Sanmenxia to promote tourism and culture through festivals

A press conference is held by the Information Office of the Henan Provincial People's Government on April 24. [Photo/dahe.cn]

Sanmenxia, Henan province will take full advantage of its strong tourism and investment by hosting the 24th Sanmenxia Yellow River Cultural Tourism Festival and the 6th China Characteristic Commodity Expo Fair from May 24 to 30.

The news was announced at a press conference held by the Information Office of the Henan Provincial People's Government on April 24.

This year's event has 19 activities planned which will cover areas of trade, sports and tourism. They will include an investment and trade fair, industrial forums, a camping festival, a cantata contest and a cycling race, according to Qing Zhiying, deputy mayor of Sanmenxia.

"As the largest event of its kind in Sanmenxia, the fair will invite over 1,500 visitors and witness the signing of up to 45 billion yuan ($7.12 billion) worth of contracts", Sun JInglin, deputy director of Henan Provincial Department of Commerce, said at the press conference.

The camping festival and "Rainbow Run" are expected to be highlights of this year's festival, with over 8,000 participants expected to pitch at least 5,000 tents. More than 30 professional outdoor clubs from 10 regions, such as Beijing, Guangdong province and Shanghai, have submitted their applications.

Electronic music elements, including world-renowned DJs Carl Nunes and Juliana Lima, will add some extra excitement.

The city will give guests a taste of the local tourism industry by offering half-price tickets to major scenic spots during the festivals.

The lawn is covered in colorful tents during last year's camping festival. [Photo/dahe.cn]