Summer festivals in full swing across China

The 25th Hainan Island Carnival commences in Haikou on June 16 evening. [Photo by Wang Chenglong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Summer carnivals and activities are in full swing across China. From north to south, cities and towns are bustling with a myriad of events to celebrate the hot season.

The 25th Hainan Island Carnival kicked off in Haikou on Sunday evening, marking the official commencement of a week-long celebration across Hainan province.

The 25th Hainan Island Carnival commences in Haikou on June 16 evening. [Photo by Wang Chenglong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

This year marks the first summer edition of the Hainan Island Carnival. The carnival features an opening ceremony, 11 major series of activities and a closing ceremony, encompassing over 50 joy-themed events spanning culture, sports, performances, cuisine, and more. It kicked off Hainan's summer tourism season and showcased the diverse entertainment options available on the island.

The 25th Hainan Island Carnival commences in Haikou on June 16 evening. [Photo by Wang Chenglong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The carnival aims to underscore the theme of "joy for all", enticing both domestic and international visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty, ecological wonders, cultural richness, exceptional services and quality of life that Hainan has to offer, said Liu Xiaoming, governor of Hainan.

The opening ceremony on Sunday evening witnessed the performance set against a starry backdrop with light and shadow painting the scene, integrating elements of the Carnival, traditional Li brocade, and Dongpo culture in memory of cultural giant Su Shi, using modern technological means such as drones to depict a joyous panorama unique to Hainan.

The 25th Hainan Island Carnival commences in Haikou on June 16 evening. [Photo by Wang Chenglong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Activities such as the lawn music concert, the third Hainan Chicken Rice Promotion and Summer Food Festival, the Dongpo National Style Garden Party, and the Summer Cool Stage are unfolding. A wide array of Hainanese delicacies and handicrafts aim to captivate visitors, while interactive activities are expected to draw in local residents and tourists, offering delights ranging from parent-child games to team challenges. The themed photo spots have attracted a multitude of visitors, encouraging them to pause, snap photos, and capture the unforgettable moments of this vibrant summer occasion.

Theme parks in Beijing are holding events to let visitors indulge in summer fun. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In Beijing, theme parks like Universal Beijing Resort and Happy Valley are holding anticipated events. Universal Cool Summer at Universal Beijing Resort, for example, made a grand return on Saturday and will continue until August 18.

This year, the event promises a new twist with the introduction of an evening version of the popular DJ water show, providing guests with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a night of carnival excitement and dynamic entertainment.

Theme parks in Beijing are holding events to let visitors indulge in summer fun. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Adding to the summer fun, Universal characters donning limited-edition summer attire will be on hand to greet guests at the all-new Universal's Cool Summer Character Meet & Greet, offering a delightful way to experience the charm of summer together.

Additionally, guests can indulge in a wide array of exclusive summer-themed merchandise, delicious food options, and refreshing icy drinks to beat the heat and make the most of their summer retreat.

Theme parks in Beijing are holding events to let visitors indulge in summer fun. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Meanwhile, due to the recent high temperature in Beijing, the resort has prepared enough drinking water supply spots for visitors and three medical care stations for related emergencies.

The resort also provides its own employees with special uniforms for summer and other supplies to help them feel better during hot weather.