The 16th China Yangtze River Three Gorges International Tourism Festival rolls out in Yichang on September 6.

　　The opening ceremony of the 16th China Yangtze River Three Gorges International Tourism Festival was held on the evening of September 6 at Qianwan Waterfront in Yichang. Co-hosted by Hubei Province and Chongqing Municipality, the month-long event will last until October 5.

　　Attendees included officials from national, provincial, and municipal levels, as well as representatives from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Ju Zhaohui, Standing Committee member of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee, declared the festival open. Speeches were delivered by Zhu Shanzhong, UNWTO Ambassador, Chen Ping, Vice Mayor of Chongqing Municipality and Xiong Zhengyu, Secretary of the CPC Yichang Municipal Committee.

　　Following the opening ceremony, an immersive waterfront light and sound show featuring fireworks and drones showcased the integration of ecological conservation and cultural-tourism in the Three Gorges areas. The festival introduced incentives such as multi-day passes and a “Three Gorges Cultural Tourism Passport”, alongside carnivals and food festivals, offering international visitors diverse experiences. (Reporters/Huang Xiang and Lei Pengcheng)