A total of 25 floats, including one featuring the C919, China's domestically developed single-aisle aircraft, and another paying tribute to pop icon Jay Chou, will debut at the 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival on Sept 13. The details were announced at a news conference held by the festival organizing committee at the Shanghai Jiushi Art Museum on Sept 11.

According to the committee, this year's float lineup includes China Eastern Airlines' C919 model, a pink float marking the official debut of Jay Chou's 2D virtual IP and a finance-themed float by Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. More than just a visual feast, the floats, from China and abroad, are seen as cultural envoys, vividly linking the tourism resources and cultural essences of their respective regions.

Shanghai's local floats blend traditional charm with modern flair. Those representing Jiangnan water towns like Zhujiajiao, Nanxiang and Sijing symbolize the gentle elegance of southern China, while floats from Baoshan Wusongkou and Lin-gang highlight the city's regional diversity. The Shanghai Wild Animal Park's float will bring the allure of one of the city's top scenic spots to life.

Beyond Shanghai, 11 floats from other Chinese cities will join the lineup. Those floats are from Yangtze River Delta region cities Ningbo, Jiaxing, Yancheng and Jingjiang, Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture, Mianyang, Xuchang, Dehua, Kashgar, Shigatse and Guoluo.

After their debut, the floats will tour 11 iconic landmarks and commercial hubs across 10 Shanghai districts, allowing residents and tourists to get a better look.

On the festival's closing night, Oct 6, the floats will converge on Shanghai Expo Culture Park in Pudong New Area to create an immersive traditional Chinese-style night tour experience.