The main venue activity of the 13th anniversary of China Tourism Day in Zhejiang province, as well as the opening ceremony of the 21th Xu Xiake Tourism Festival, was held in Ninghai county, East China's Zhejiang province, on the morning of May 19.

The main venue activity of the 13th anniversary of China Tourism Day was held in East China's Zhejiang province on May 19. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

A total of 10 Asian Games-themed tourism routes in Zhejiang province were released at the opening ceremony. They feature mountains, water and historical and cultural sites.

The "To the mountains and the sea" parade was launched after the opening ceremony. More than 2,000 people participated in the performance.

In addition, visitors can experience the interactive Song Dynasty (960-1279) intangible cultural heritage play online and can watch sporting events and go to the market in places such as the Qinghefang national historical and cultural block during the festival.

About 400 years ago, Chinese explorer and geologist Xu Xiake started his 30-year-long adventure and traveled tens of thousands of miles across China. His notes and study of ancient Chinese geography were unprecedented. To commemorate his adventurous spirit, May 19 – the day he embarked on his journey, has been designated as China Tourism Day.