SHANGHAI -- The Shanghai Tourism Festival opened Saturday night with a grand performance.

Twenty-five floats, which represent China's famous tourist destinations such as Nanjing and Suzhou cities in Jiangsu Province, and 32 performance groups from 19 countries and regions, including Germany, Switzerland and France, participated in the dance and music show in downtown Shanghai.

The festival, which will last until Oct. 6, will feature 100 activities including some for overseas travelers. A folk culture exhibition on Belt and Road countries will also be held.

Dozens of tourist sites, museums and galleries in Shanghai will offer half-price admission during the event.

The Shanghai Tourism Festival has been held annually since 1990. The 2018 festival attracted 12.7 million visitors from home and abroad.