NEARLY 40 groups of performers and 25 floats from home and abroad will join this year’s Shanghai Tourism Festival opening parade, always a highlight of the annual celebrations.

This year is China-EU Tourism Year and China-Canada Year of Tourism. Floats representing the EU and Quebec will take part in the September 14 parade.

The Quebec float features ice and snow and shows the beautiful scenery of the Canadian north. The EU float blends history and culture with modern science.

Two areas the city supports — Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan and Kashgar in Xinjiang — will also send floats to the parade. Kashgar’s will show Xinjiang’s traditional culture and dress, along with “specialties” like grapes and camels.

Theme parks like Disney, Happy Valley and Haichang Ocean Park should add something very special to the event.

Baoshan District, home to Wusongkou port, will sail a “cruise ship” along local streets.

People can vote for their favorite floats and performers through websites and apps.