HAIKOU /China/, December 23. /TASS/. South China's Hainan province kicks off the large-scale international "Tourism Island" carnival on Friday. The opening ceremony of this annual cultural and entertainment event will be held in the region's administrative center Haikou.

This year marks the carnival's 23rd edition. According to the Hainan Daily newspaper, the carnival will cover four other cities in addition to Haikou: the resort city of Sanya in the south of the island, the industrial city of Danzhou in the northwest, the Chinese surfing center Wanning on its east coast, and Wenchang (northeast), where one of China's four space launch facilities is located. In addition, the holiday will affect most other administrative-territorial units of the province.

Numerous artistic performances, promotions and other events are expected to take place on the island in the coming days. Every year these attract a lot of attention of tourists.

Tourist carnivals in Hainan are held annually in December and are organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the PRC in cooperation with the provincial government. The purpose of these comprehensive events is to stimulate consumption and strengthen the international status of the island as one of the most lucrative vacation destinations.