The annual Shanghai Tourism Festival opened on Saturday, with a major parade along the 2.2km-long Huaihai Road marking the start of this year's festivities. 

Twenty-three floats and 30 performing teams from China and other parts of the world joined to kick-off  the 22-day festival. Over the next three weeks, 40 activities will be held, including a rugby sevens tournament and sailing regatta, a boat show on the Huangpu River and the Shanghai International Music & Fireworks Festival.

A range of deals will also be off ered by several tourist attractions, hotels and F&B outlets across the city, with some offering half-price admission.