Horses galore at tourism festival

A show jumping event will be staged in front of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower as part of this year's Shanghai Tourism Festival, which starts on September 13.

A new addition to the schedule, the free event will feature riders and horses from across Europe. Two shows will be held from 5pm to 7pm on September 27 and 28.

This year's festival — held in the Year of the Horse — will also include a number of horse-related exhibitions from September 26-28, while professional horse trainers will give lectures and speak to the public.

Besides the horse-related events, the festival will include a fireworks show, tickets for which cost 230 yuan (US$37) — 30 yuan cheaper than last year.

"After 14 years, innovation is key to attracting and keeping spectators," said Li Zhengming, an official with the Pudong New Area Tourism Commission.

This year's fireworks displays, which will be held on the evenings of September 30, October 3 and October 6, will also include a special laser show, he said.