A CEREMONY was held in Shenzhen on Wednesday to officially launch a Guangdong provincial initiative inviting global travelers to experience the region’s unique traditions, coastal scenery, and innovation-driven attractions during the summer holiday season.

The event, hosted at the Shenzhen International Museum of Art (SIMoA) in Guangming District, unveiled an extensive lineup of cultural, tourism, and consumer activities focusing on maritime leisure and educational study tours. During the ceremony, several premium travel itineraries and comprehensive guides were released to help visitors navigate the province’s diverse offerings.

A highlight of the event was the debut of an AI-produced promotional video showcasing the lush summer landscapes of the Lingnan area. The presentation featured virtual tours of Guangdong’s newest cultural landmarks, including SIMoA, the Shenzhen Natural History Museum, the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum, and Shenzhen Bay Cultural Square in Shenzhen, as well as the Baietan GBA Art Center in Guangzhou, and Zhuhai Aerospace Land.

Tourism promotion officers from Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shantou, Shaoguan, and Yangjiang presented the distinctive charms of their respective cities, while major online travel platforms, including Ctrip and Douyin, announced exclusive subsidies and merchant specials.

Complementing the launch, a fair featured over 40 cultural firms and local brands promoting high-quality “Guangdong-made” goods.

This initiative is part of a broader push launched by the provincial government last week to invite international travelers to join Dragon Boat Festival celebrations and the summer peak season. From June through July, Guangdong will host 208 dragon boat-themed activities and 547 races involving 100,000 participants. Beyond the races, visitors can enjoy cultural markets, intangible cultural heritage performances, and food festivals.

Leveraging China’s longest mainland coastline and hundreds of islands, the province is also heavily promoting its seaside destinations. Travelers are encouraged to explore pristine beaches, fishing villages, and vibrant maritime culture while enjoying the region’s famous fresh seafood. Educational tourism remains another key priority, with newly designed study routes ranging from historical heritage to cutting-edge science and technology.

Furthermore, the province is expanding its “ticket economy” program, backed by a 30-million-yuan (US$4.2 million) special fund, allowing visitors to use attraction tickets or transit boarding passes to unlock discounts on shopping, lodging, and entertainment.                        (SD News)