The Opening Ceremony of the (Yiqiao) Yupu Cultural Festival. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

The (Yiqiao) Yupu Cultural Festival is officially launched today at Hangzhou Oriental Culture Park in East China's Zhejiang Province.

Performances and exhibitions will be given to present the essence of 'Yupu culture'. Local residents can also visit the Hangzhou Oriental Culture Park for three days during the festival, free of charge.

Ni Guoping, Party Secretary of Yiqiao County, says the festival is to showcase Yiqiao for its unique culture and to boost its economic growth, especially in the developing real estate industry. The festival also aims to enrich people's lives culturally and increase opportunities for local companies.

Xu Guangxing, Chairman of the Hangzhou Oriental Culture Park, points out that the area has been developing tourist attractions during the last few years. Several eco-friendly tourist sites, such as the park, have attracted many visitors. The park has been named as the base of the International Leisure & Recreational Industry for its promotion of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Additionally, further eco-friendly tourist sites are being planned.

'Yupu' means lakes and rivers in English. This has become the representation of an important part of the local culture in Yiqiao Count. 'Yupu culture' features containment and respect for commerce, credibility, filial piety and study.