Qingdao, a coastal tourist city and a UNESCO City of Film in east China's Shandong Province, has launched film-themed trains and tour routes, with the introduction of a variety of cultural activities to boost film-plus consumption during the seven-day National Day holiday starting Thursday.
On Tuesday, the Qingdao Metro launched the "Qingdao Film" Line 3 themed train to transform subway trips into an immersive showcase of movie-themed visual elements, such as reels, projectors, classic movie scenes and knowledge about the city's film industry.
"I felt lucky after boarding the train. This carriage is quite special, awash in refreshing colors. It also has some film elements that fit," said Meng Fan, a passenger.
The city has also launched four themed tourist routes connecting filming locations of popular movies, where visitors can take pictures, taste local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture.
"Various locations featured in movies, such as the Qingdao International Cruise Home Port, the Yan'erdao Park, the Xilingxia Road near the Badaxia Park, and the Oriental Movie Metropolis, have all been included into our tourist routes' coverage, which have been well received by our customers," said Zhu Xiaohe, a touring guide.
In addition, Qingdao has organized seaside open-air film projections, film carnivals and cultural fairs to create new consumption scenarios that combine film with catering.
Qingdao was named China's first UNESCO City of Film in 2017.
East China's Qingdao promotes film-induced tourism during National Day holiday
People from across China gathered at the Tian'anmen Square in the heart of Beijing in the early morning on Thursday, the country's National Day, to witness the national flag-raising ceremony.
The grand ceremony is seen as one of the defining moments of China's National Day, which falls on October 1 every year, with the ritual performed by honor guards of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
With firm and steady steps, the national flag Guard of Honor marched toward the center of the Tian'anmen Square for the flag-raising ceremony. The Five-Starred Red Flag was raised as the national anthem played, marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The flag-raising ceremony itself was brief, but for those who had traveled and stood in line through the night, the experience carried meaning beyond the few minutes that the ceremony lasted.
The 46 seconds of the national anthem, as one attendee put it, were not just a ceremonial moment, but a time to pay tribute to the path the country has traveled.
"We have waited more than 10 hours, all for those 46 seconds, to witness the national flag rising and to reflect on the arduous journey China has traversed over the past century," said a spectator.
Another spectator said the experience was deeply encouraging.
"We are deeply inspired as we continue to learn and forge ahead. We hope to work like our predecessors and make our own contributions in our respective roles," she said.
The national flag-raising ceremony at the Tian'anmen Square takes place every morning at sunrise. Watching the ceremony at the Tian'anmen Square on Oct 1 has been a tradition of celebrating the National Day for many Chinese.
Flag-raising kindles patriotic pride on National Day
