The 35th Shanghai Tourism Festival opened on Saturday with a grand float parade, promising an unforgettable journey for visitors.
A raft of 25 elaborately designed floats took part in the parade, offering a visual feast to show famous tourist destinations, themed parks, and different regions of Shanghai.
With the first parade at the bustling Nanjing Road, floats will unfold in iconic landmarks, commercial centers, and famous scenic spots across the city until the festival's conclusion on Oct. 6.
Amid the parade's splendor, 25 teams from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania attracted onlookers with a rich tapestry of customs and traditions, providing visitors with a captivating glimpse into global cultures.
During the festival, Shanghai plans to offer 200 themed activities and products, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.
From Sept 19 to 25, visitors will be offered discounted entrance tickets to 62 Shanghai attractions, including iconic sites like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Wild Animal Park. This long-standing tradition, which started in 2011, has been warmly received by residents and tourists alike.
In addition, the tourism festival this year also promises a jam-packed schedule of cultural, sporting, and commercial events, including the highly anticipated first Shanghai International Light Festival.
The fusion of cutting-edge light artistry with Shanghai's vibrant backdrop promises excitement and anticipation for visitors.
Shanghai Tourism Festival opens, promising diverse culture experience for visitors
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
