Shenzhen celebrated the opening of the 2005 International (Shenzhen) Tourism and Culture Festival yesterday, with a grand opening ceremony at the Window of the World.

Speaking on behalf of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Vice-Mayor Zhuo Qingrui said the city should take advantage of the opportunity to fully present its attractions. "With the organizing of such an event, Shenzhen will promote its tourism resource to the rest of the world, and Shenzhen welcomes friends from home and abroad," Zhuo said.

The first half of the evening had various programs performed by local artists, including songs, dances and acrobatic shows. The event started with the festival's theme song "Happy Shenzhen", which was followed by dance performance entitled "Shennan Thoroughfare" and other songs.

Hundreds of performers from the city's six districts showcased their own unique characteristics. For example, Longgang District thrilled the crowd with a traditional dragon dance, and a teenage chorus from Nanshan District delighted the audiences with a well-know Chinese song "What a Beautiful Jasmine."

The preliminary rounds of the Miss Model of the World beauty pageant formed the second half of the evening. Women from 68 countries are vying for seven individual titles, such as the "best camera appearance" title as well as the Miss Model of the World honor, which will be decided next Monday.

The weeklong tourism festival will also feature other events, such as food festivals, golf competitions, and antique exhibitions. These events are to showcase the youthful city as a shopping heaven, a relaxing escape, and a place with well-preserved Hakka culture. It is aimed at promoting Shenzhen as a popular tourist destination.

Editor: Donald