The opening ceremony of 2017 Zheng He International Cultural and Tourism Festival.

[InKunming--Kunming]  The 2017 Zheng He International Cultural and Tourism Festival kicked off at Jinning District on July 11, at China’s 13th National Maritime Day. A large number of visitors and citizens were attracted to participate in wonderful activities.

"Zheng He Memorial Ceremony" , which is a profound activity held to memorize Zheng He, is designed during the festival’s opening ceremony. A compass, which symbolizes right direction and forward road, was transmitted from all important guests’ hand to 48 young pioneers. A young pioneer finally inserted the compass into a ship that started sailing at the spot.

The opening ceremony of 2017 Zheng He International Cultural and Tourism Festival.

Awesome performances presented after the opening ceremony. Various actors and actresses dressed in gorgeous outfits enriched the performances by adding some local and ethnic characteristics.The performances fully interpreted dare spirit of Zheng He. The performances not only featured characters of Jinning culture, but also kept pace with the times. Namely, it presented local factors in the background of “One Belt and One Road”, such as beautiful movements, melodious music and cultural costumes.

The Zheng He International Cultural and Tourism Festival lasts to July 16th. Twelve activities are being arranged in the main venue located in Kunyang Town. For instance, 2017 Jinning International Zheng He Cultural Forum, "Zheng He Cup" National Youth Sailing Championship, Zheng He Memorial Pavilion Opening and so on are organized.

What is worth mentioning is that the marvelous works of "Zheng He Cup" Photography Competition are displayed in the main venue and in branch venue. Those who have interests in it could take a good look. The working staff selected 56 works among more than 3,000 works. The photographers devoted to capturing the moments to further upgrade regional cultural image.

Besides, sorts of activities are ongoing in branch venue, including Zheng He Cultural Theme Exhibition, Zheng He’s Ship Models Exhibition and a host of issues, showing a maritime cultural feast. Moreover, under the theme of “Flowers of Yunnan”, floral display and flower-arranging competition make people feel beauties of Jinning. Those who love funny activities could participate in “Walking above Water” Competition, Hamburger Contest, etc.

Click here to view the Chinese report.

(Editors:Rachel, Cathy Chen)