The 8th Maritime Silk Road (Fuzhou) International Tourism Festival kicked off 
in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China on 17th November. The festival in Fuzhou is 
sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of 
China and the People's Government of Fujian Province. It is hosted by the 
Department of Culture and Tourism of Fujian Province and Fuzhou Municipal 
People's Government.

The festival showcases Fuzhou's active participation in the Belt and Road 
Initiative by inviting nearly 500 guests to take part in related activities in 
the city. These guests include representatives from international 
organisations, the World Tourism Alliance, the International Mountain Tourism 
Alliance, and representatives of friendly cities of co-building countries, all 
working together to enhance the impact of the Maritime Silk Road (Fuzhou), 
according to Fuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

This year's festival is emphasising international characteristics, unique 
aspects of the Maritime Silk Road, and the fusion of culture and tourism. The 
main events include the festival's launch ceremony and cultural tourism 
dialogue, the Fujian Tourism Expo 2023, and the grand cultural and tourism 
experience event "Maritime Silk Road-Themed Wonders Night", showcasing a 
diverse array of Fuzhou's culture as an international brand. The festival 
highlights distinctive aspects of Fuzhou's culture, including the historical 
and cultural significance of Yantai Mountain, hot springs, Fujian cuisine, 
ancient houses, and intangible cultural heritage, all contributing to 
showcasing the charm of Fuzhou.

The Maritime Silk Road (Fuzhou) International Tourism Festival marks a 
significant milestone for Fujian Province and Fuzhou City in their efforts to 
comprehensively develop and construct a central area that will play a key role 
in the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road". The festival has been held for seven 
consecutive years since it began in 2015, offering a new platform for regional 
cooperation, promotion, and collaboration among participating countries to 
learn from and benefit each other. It has evolved into an internationally 
influential tourism conference.

Source: Fuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism

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   Caption: The launch ceremony