By Parker Walker, EDITOR

The 9^th China Yangtze River Three Gorges International Tourism Festival press conference was held in Chongqing on July 26^th.

The event is built around the theme of “The Yangtze and the Three Gorges: painting poetry for eyes and heart”. This Festival will be held from July 11th to November.

The event, a joint effort on the part of the governments of the municipality of Chongqing and the province of Hubei and supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, aims to further tourism and culture in both these areas. This is the 9^th year of the annual event. 

The congratulating speech from Liu Qi, the director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development

The event aims to fully implement the spirit of the message spelled forth by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Yangtze River Area Economic Development Talks, go in line with the win-win principle shared by the counties along The Gorges area, and create a top-level tourist brand that will contribute to the prosperity of the area, the development of tourism and culture, and welfare of the people.

The 9^th China Yangtze River Three Gorges International Tourism Festival which will last from the end of July to November, will show-off the wealth of culture that the area has to offer. This includes：performances in song, dance, poetry, free “return cruise” along the Yangtze, laser light show, traditional Chinese painting, tourism forums, taste-testing of local delicacies as well as discounts on ride fairs in local transportation and accommodations.

On October 11^th, a laser light show will be held in Wanzhou, Chongqing and will fit in perfectly with Wanzhou’s three-dimensional environment of water of mountains, rivers, and city, creating an experience full of light, magic and thrilling sound that will blow the viewer literally out of the water!

On November 7^th through the 10^th, 200 international visitors that had previously visited the Three Gorges twenty years ago area will be invited back for a free cruise as well as free passes to other events

In October, the city of Fengjie, Chongqing will put on a large-scale outdoor show, directed by the internationally renowned director Zhang YiMou and will use poetry to convey the beauty of the Three Gorges as well as promote science, green energy, and culture.

On the end of November, a green development and environmental forum will be held in Wanzhou, Chongqing and will be in tune with the spirit set forth by Xi Jinping to promote economics and prosperity along the Yangtze River area. 

The launching ceremony of the 9th China Yangtze River Three Gorges International Tourism Festival

The event aims to take the tourism industry along the Yangtze to a new level and will have five key features: highlight the correct leadership of Xi Jinping’s thought of the new area of socialism with Chinese characteristics and belief that protection of the environment brings forth prosperity, show off the astounding beauty of Chongqing’s scenery and people, promote the new tourist drive “Chongqing: Journey to New Accomplishments” initiated by the government of Chongqing， invite elements of international and local culture to promote and develop Three Gorges tourism, and highlight wealth creation and prosperity of the people.