The opening ceremony of the Su Dongpo Culture and Tourism Festival is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang on Tuesday. [Photo/WeChat: lakeviewhotel]

The second Su Dongpo Culture and Tourism Festival opened in Hangzhou, capital city of East China's Zhejiang province, on Tuesday.

Aimed at further showcasing the cultural significance of Su Dongpo and inheriting Song Dynasty culture, a series of events, including a forum on Su Dongpo and the Song Dynasty culture, exhibitions of calligraphy and painting, and recitals of Su Dongpo's poems, were organized both online and offline in Hangzhou, together with five other cities that are historically and culturally related to Su Dongpo.

Su Shi (1037-1101), courtesy name Dongpo, a renowned Song Dynasty (960-1279) poet, is one of the most recognizable Chinese cultural icons for his outstanding cultural and artistic achievements and unrestrained personality. Su was also a famous gourmet and created several dishes such as the popular Dongpo Pork. During his lifetime, he served in Hangzhou twice and travelled all over the city, leaving behind a number of famous and great works.

A citizen visits the exhibition of masterpieces of calligraphy and painting with Song Dynasty culture. [Photo/WeChat: Hangzhoumice]

Meanwhile, following Su's historical trails in Hangzhou, five tourist routes have been designed, including a day trip to West Lake and tours to four districts where Su used to experience and observe the life of the people.

"Su Dongpo is a representative and iconic classic symbol in Song Dynasty culture. His respect for nature, his thinking about life, and his openness and detachment to life's circumstances are still of high value at present, which is also his charm. Everyone can find in Su Dongpo's works a poetic and fascinating paradise," said Lou Yejie, director of Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism.