On 10 March 2025, the opening ceremony of the Festival of Cultural and Tourism Exchanges took place in Qingdao, China. The event was organised by the Shandong Province Department of Culture and Tourism, the Qingdao Municipal People’s Government and the China-SCO Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Pilot Zone. The festival is part of Qingdao’s designation as the Tourism and Cultural Capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2024-2025 .
The ceremony featured welcoming speeches from Qingdao’s Vice Mayor Zhao Yan, Director of the Municipal Bureauof Culture and Tourism Pan Feng, representatives of the Pilot Zone management and other distinguished guests.
Representing the SCO Secretariat, Deputy SCO Secretary-General Shri Janesh Kain emphasised the importance of enhancing the appeal of tourist destinations, developing infrastructure, and easingvisa and immigration regulations while considering the national legal frameworks of SCO member states.
The event also included a vibrantconcert featuring performances by Chinese and international students from universities across the Shandong Province.
The festival will run until the end of March. The programme includes an international bazaar showcasing traditional crafts from SCO member states, tastings of national cuisines, a traditional costume exhibition, themed tours along Qingdao’s historical routes and many other activities.