The three-day Shandong (Jinan) International Tourism Fair commenced on May 25 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province, offering an exchange and promotion platform for global tour operators and travel companies.

More than 500 travel enterprises and organizations from over 20 countries and regions take part in the annual event.

Jointly organized by the Shandong Tourism Development Commission and the Jinan municipal government, the event has been held 15 times. It is the most influential and professional tourism fair in Shandong province with large numbers of participants.

Shandong's 17 cities make a splash at the fair, displaying an assortment of handicrafts, cultural and creative products and tourism products, all featuring the "essence" of their cities.

An extravaganza of exciting events and cultural performances, staged by performers from different exhibition groups, will also take place during the fair, aiming to attract more visitors.

The Shandong (Jinan) International Tourism Fair opens on May 25 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. [Photo by Lv Chuanquan/e23.cn]

The Shungeng International Convention and Exhibition Center, venue of the Shandong (Jinan) International Tourism Fair, is bustling with visitors. [Photo by Lv Chuanquan/e23.cn]

A foreign visitor samples dawan cha (big bowl tea) at the fair. Dawan cha is the preferred beverage of choice by the side of Jinan city's famous springs. [Photo by Lv Chuanquan/e23.cn]