Opera masters perform classical excerpts highlighting the heroic charm of Guan Yu on June 18, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The festival also includes 12 sideline activities, such as city walks and creative competitions for youth, which will run until early July.

The event is hosted by the Zhangzhou city government and co-organized by the Dongshan county government, Zhangzhou culture and tourism bureau, and Zhangzhou Culture, Tourism and Health Care Group.

Now in its 33rd year, the Guandi Culture and Tourism Festival attracts people from all walks of life to Dongshan for ancestor worship, travel and business investment. It has become a significant platform for enhancing cross-Strait exchanges in fields of economy, trade and culture.