Guangdong province will kick off a month-long tourism promotional campaign on Tuesday, offering one billion yuan ($147 million) in subsidies, including free admission and ticket discounts at dozens of attractions, with Guangzhou – the provincial capital – being the main venue for this year’s China Tourism Day.

Following a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday night, which marks the 16th China Tourism Day, the tourism authorities will roll out more than 280 events to boost travel, aimed at stimulating consumption, inbound tourism and industry investment.

Various districts in Guangzhou will launch special events highlighting their unique characteristics, focusing on themes like winter sports tourism, homestay festivals, marine culture, and the culture of the crape myrtle.

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Nearly 60 tourism attractions and travel projects in Guangzhou are offering ticket discounts on Tuesday, including the landmark Canton Tower, Chimelong Resort and the Pearl River night cruise. Exquisite Lingnan-style gardens Baomo Yuan and Nan Yue Yuan, which normally charge over 100 yuan per head, are opening for free.

In Shenzhen, the iconic Window of the World and Splendid China Folk Culture Village will provide limited half-price tickets.

In addition, admission to Shaoguan City’s Danxia Mountain -- a national 5A-level scenic area and a UNESCO geopark – will be free, while the Ancestral Temple in Foshan -- a Taoist temple that symbolizes local culture -- and  Nanao Island National Forest Park in Shantou -- the country’s only forest park located on an island -- are offering half-price admission.

Contact the writer at bingcun@chinadailyhk.com