The 17th Suzhou International Tourism Festival will kick off in Suzhou of Jiangsu province on April 11, 2014. A press conference was held on April 8 to release details of the festival.

According to a spokesman at the conference, the festival will take “Love Suzhou and Enjoy Life” as its theme and include five categories of events.

As one part, the fifth Jinji Lake half-marathon has been held previously with the participation of more than 20,000 people. In the following two months, about 100 events will be held in the central area and towns around the city.

The opening ceremony has always been an important part of the festival. This year, the ceremony is set in the Panmen Gate scenic spot. Eleven colorful boats will cruise in the river around the central area, connecting the events at Xiangmen Square.

On the evening of the opening ceremony, a garden at the Panmen Gate scenic spot will open to the public. A light show and local folk performances will be staged.

The first Suzhou International Tourism Trade Fair will be held from April 12 to 14 at the Suzhou International Expo Center. Nearly 500 enterprises have been confirmed to join in the fair.

Almost 1,000 tourism products will be given as gifts for free to visitors. Various discounts are provided. Visitors will also get a chance to taste food from five-star hotels at a low price.

The organizing committee of the tourism festival will collect micro videos, boat votes and photographs during the festival. The collection of micro videos began on March 24, and 100 videos will be chosen to be broadcasted on the official website and festival app.