The Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism has launched a series of promotional campaigns to welcome the annual China Tourism Day, which falls on May 19, according to local officials.

The province's 16 cities launched a total 148 activities and 260 preferential policies to offer discounts and coupons at scenic spots, hotels, homestays and tourism enterprises to benefit tourists.

China Tourism Day was established in 2011 and falls on May 19 every year. 2020 marked the 10th time the day has been observed.

A total of 1,088 scenic spots and hotels in Shandong are offering free entrance or discounts to medical staff, to show respect and gratitude for their contribution and efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Binzhou city held an aerial photography invitational tournament from May 15 to 17 to celebrate the tourism day.

Taierzhuang ancient town, a popular scenic spot in Shandong's Zaozhuang city, organized a running activity to mark the day.

Laizhou, a county-level city in Yantai, held a rose carnival on May 19 to attract visitors, with flower appreciating and folk performance activities.

Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, launched study tours and cultural performances to celebrate the day.

The coastal city of Weihai organized a seven-day-long livestreaming event to promote its scenic spots, homestays, cultural legacies and more.

Yu Xiaoguang, director of the Shandong provincial tourism promotion center, gives a briefing on the activities to mark the annual China Tourism Day. [Photo/dzwww.com]

A running activity is held in Taierzhuang ancient town. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Laizhou, a county-level city in Yantai, hosts a rose carnival on May 19. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, launches study tours and cultural performances to mark the annual China Tourism Day. [Photo/dzwww.com]