CHENGDU - A tourism festival kicks off on Saturday in ancient towns in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province.

The festival will last until March 15. During the festival, nearly 300 tourism and cultural themed activities will be held, and 10 tourist routes will be launched featuring ancient town characteristics.

Folklore performances including a blessing ceremony, sugar-figure blowing and dragon lantern dance will also be presented to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival.

Tourists can experience a series of intangible cultural heritage activities, such as making oil paper umbrellas and bamboo weaving, in the ancient towns.

The Chinese Lunar New Year falls on Jan 25 this year.