Recognized as a marine national park on 28 February 1996 and designated an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013, Lampi Island attracted a large number of foreign visitors to Wah Ale Resort during the current tourism season, with European tourists accounting for the largest share, led by Germans, followed by Russians and Americans.
Due to Myanmar’s well-conserved natural ecosystem, European tourists were the largest group of foreign visitors among the travellers from Asia and Africa to the Wah Ale Resort, located within the Lampi Marine National Park, one of the country’s most popular ecotourism destinations for international travellers, according to the resort.
In the travel season, the resort welcomed the highest number of visitors from Germany, Russia, the US, England, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and several other European countries. European travellers who value nature and environmental conservation visited the resort to experience its marine scenery, forests, rare species, mangrove ecosystems where fish and shrimp breed, and naturally preserved coral reefs.
The resort accepts more than 40 visitors per day and provides accommodation only in natural wooden houses along with seafood cuisine. Room rates are US$850 per person during December and January, while rates for the remaining months are US$800 per person, according to the resort.
Travellers usually visit the resort from November through the end of April. Although the resort generally begins accepting visitors from August each year, this travel season saw a higher number of visitors compared to previous seasons. Therefore, bookings for the next travel season have already been accepted since May. Among all travel seasons, the 2019 season remains the record-breaking year with the highest number of visitors to Wah Ale Resort.
“We do not expect large numbers of tourists to visit Wah Ale Resort because we are concerned about damaging the ecosystem. We only accept between 40 and 50 visitors per day. Since this is an eco-tourism business, we showcase the natural beauty, untouched environment, rainforests, marine ecosystem, mangrove forests, biodiversity, wildlife, and the traditional culture of the local Salon people. Most travellers come here to enjoy and appreciate the natural ecosystem, so we highly value those who love and respect nature. We have already started accepting bookings for the coming travel season from this month. The naturally beautiful Wah Ale Resort warmly welcomes visitors,” said U Aung Zin Latt, general manager of the resort.
The Lampi Island was recognized as a marine national park on 28 February 1996 and as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013. During the current tourism season, European tourists made up the largest number of foreign visitors to Wah Ale Resort. German tourists ranked first in visitor numbers, followed by Russians in second place and Americans in third place. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH
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Recognized as a marine national park on 28 February 1996 and designated an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013, Lampi Island attracted a large number of foreign visitors to Wah Ale Resort during the current tourism season, with European tourists accounting for the largest share, led by Germans, followed by Russians and Americans.
Due to Myanmar’s well-conserved natural ecosystem, European tourists were the largest group of foreign visitors among the travellers from Asia and Africa to the Wah Ale Resort, located within the Lampi Marine National Park, one of the country’s most popular ecotourism destinations for international travellers, according to the resort.
In the travel season, the resort welcomed the highest number of visitors from Germany, Russia, the US, England, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and several other European countries. European travellers who value nature and environmental conservation visited the resort to experience its marine scenery, forests, rare species, mangrove ecosystems where fish and shrimp breed, and naturally preserved coral reefs.
The resort accepts more than 40 visitors per day and provides accommodation only in natural wooden houses along with seafood cuisine. Room rates are US$850 per person during December and January, while rates for the remaining months are US$800 per person, according to the resort.
Travellers usually visit the resort from November through the end of April. Although the resort generally begins accepting visitors from August each year, this travel season saw a higher number of visitors compared to previous seasons. Therefore, bookings for the next travel season have already been accepted since May. Among all travel seasons, the 2019 season remains the record-breaking year with the highest number of visitors to Wah Ale Resort.
“We do not expect large numbers of tourists to visit Wah Ale Resort because we are concerned about damaging the ecosystem. We only accept between 40 and 50 visitors per day. Since this is an eco-tourism business, we showcase the natural beauty, untouched environment, rainforests, marine ecosystem, mangrove forests, biodiversity, wildlife, and the traditional culture of the local Salon people. Most travellers come here to enjoy and appreciate the natural ecosystem, so we highly value those who love and respect nature. We have already started accepting bookings for the coming travel season from this month. The naturally beautiful Wah Ale Resort warmly welcomes visitors,” said U Aung Zin Latt, general manager of the resort.
The Lampi Island was recognized as a marine national park on 28 February 1996 and as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013. During the current tourism season, European tourists made up the largest number of foreign visitors to Wah Ale Resort. German tourists ranked first in visitor numbers, followed by Russians in second place and Americans in third place. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH
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Shwethaungyan Beach in Pathein Township, Ayeyawady Region, was packed with 29,243 tourists and homegrown travellers in April 2026, Daw Cherry Myint from the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (Shwethaungyan Beach) said.
Shwethaungyan Beach is thronged with tourists and domestic visitors throughout the year, providing hospitality services from over 20 hotels and guesthouses.
“Shwethaungyan Beach attracted 29,243 visitors. Most of them are day-trip travellers. The Kyauk Maunghnama Elephant Camp near the beach is the top destination that captures the attention of the visitors as well. Consequently, the number of visitors has grown month over month. The association is also ensuring beach quality improvement to meet the satisfaction of the beach enthusiasts”, she added. Each hotel at the beach maintains and cleans the beach area (sand and water) in front of it to support visitors’ experience and comfort, maintains and decorates landscaping within the hotel compound, maintains clean hotel corridors, and serves local foods to guests.
Moreover, the beach has good accessibility, safety, facilities and sustainable management. It offers horseback riding, motorbike, and motorboat rentals. Local food products, handicrafts and souvenirs stalls are also eye-catching. — ASH/KK
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Shwethaungyan Beach in Pathein Township, Ayeyawady Region, was packed with 29,243 tourists and homegrown travellers in April 2026, Daw Cherry Myint from the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (Shwethaungyan Beach) said.
Shwethaungyan Beach is thronged with tourists and domestic visitors throughout the year, providing hospitality services from over 20 hotels and guesthouses.
“Shwethaungyan Beach attracted 29,243 visitors. Most of them are day-trip travellers. The Kyauk Maunghnama Elephant Camp near the beach is the top destination that captures the attention of the visitors as well. Consequently, the number of visitors has grown month over month. The association is also ensuring beach quality improvement to meet the satisfaction of the beach enthusiasts”, she added. Each hotel at the beach maintains and cleans the beach area (sand and water) in front of it to support visitors’ experience and comfort, maintains and decorates landscaping within the hotel compound, maintains clean hotel corridors, and serves local foods to guests.
Moreover, the beach has good accessibility, safety, facilities and sustainable management. It offers horseback riding, motorbike, and motorboat rentals. Local food products, handicrafts and souvenirs stalls are also eye-catching. — ASH/KK
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A total of more than 1,400,000 travellers visited the pagoda between October 2025 and May 2026 during the Buddha Pujaniya Festival. During this period, visitors from both within the country and abroad – particularly from neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam – travelled to the pagoda, according to U Soe Hla, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Mon State.
In October 2025, when the Buddha Pujaniya Festival at Kyaiktiyo Pagoda began, 155,239 local visitors and 430 foreign tourists visited the site. In November, 200,335 local visitors and 582 foreigners were recorded. In December, the number rose to 339,833 local pilgrims and 806 foreign visitors. In January 2026, there were 209,460 local visitors and 474 foreigners, followed by 168,566 local and 732 foreign visitors in February. In March, 212,169 local visitors and 804 foreigners visited the pagoda. In April, up to the full moon of Kason, 145,134 local visitors and 395 foreign tourists were recorded.
In total, 1,430,736 local visitors and 4,232 foreign visitors came to the pagoda, bringing the overall number of visitors to 1,434,959, according to the Board of Trustees.
Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and stalls around the pagoda precinct remain open as usual. Approximately 250 mountain vehicles transport pilgrims daily to Kyaiktiyo Hill, while hotels, rest houses and restaurants operate around the clock to accommodate visitors. — ASH/MKKS
A total of more than 1,400,000 travellers visited the pagoda between October 2025 and May 2026 during the Buddha Pujaniya Festival. During this period, visitors from both within the country and abroad – particularly from neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam – travelled to the pagoda, according to U Soe Hla, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Mon State.
In October 2025, when the Buddha Pujaniya Festival at Kyaiktiyo Pagoda began, 155,239 local visitors and 430 foreign tourists visited the site. In November, 200,335 local visitors and 582 foreigners were recorded. In December, the number rose to 339,833 local pilgrims and 806 foreign visitors. In January 2026, there were 209,460 local visitors and 474 foreigners, followed by 168,566 local and 732 foreign visitors in February. In March, 212,169 local visitors and 804 foreigners visited the pagoda. In April, up to the full moon of Kason, 145,134 local visitors and 395 foreign tourists were recorded.
In total, 1,430,736 local visitors and 4,232 foreign visitors came to the pagoda, bringing the overall number of visitors to 1,434,959, according to the Board of Trustees.
Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and stalls around the pagoda precinct remain open as usual. Approximately 250 mountain vehicles transport pilgrims daily to Kyaiktiyo Hill, while hotels, rest houses and restaurants operate around the clock to accommodate visitors. — ASH/MKKS
Among various tourism services, land and coastal leisure travel has become increasingly popular with both domestic and international visitors. In Myanmar, the Wah Ale Island, located within the Lampi Marine National Park, has been attracting more European tourists than local visitors. As the tourism season comes to an end, tourist arrivals are expected to conclude by mid-May.
The Lampi Marine National Park, situated in the Myeik Archipelago in Taninthayi Region with more than 800 islands, is globally recognized as a park that supports the survival of amphibians and marine research, and a recreational site for the local and foreign visitors for its stunning sea views. Due to its rich flora and fauna, including rare species, it is considered highly valuable for research.
Foreign tourists visit the Wah Ale Resort through bookings every year to do a variety of activities, such as scuba diving to observe coral reefs, kayaking through mangrove forests and coastal caves, studying and documenting seagrass and rare marine species, swimming within the park, enjoying sunset views, walking along sandy beaches, and learning about the lifestyle of the local Moken (Salon) ethnic group. Visitors also explore the island’s forests to study biodiversity, wildlife, medicinal plants, and rare species of birds, butterflies, and orchids.
“Most foreign visitors come to the Wah Ale Island based on their research interests. They are especially drawn to the natural beauty of the sea, marine ecosystems, forests, rare species, fish and shrimp breeding areas in mangrove forests, and coral reefs. Many are particularly interested in closely studying forest ecosystems. The eco-friendly accommodation and transport services also appeal to them. As the travel season is ending this month, all pre-booked visitors will have completed their trips by mid-May. The Lampi Marine National Park and Wah Ale Resort also contribute significantly to the Blue Economy,” said U Kyi Oo, warden of the park.
The Lampi Island was recognized as a marine national park on 28 February 1996 and as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013. The Wah Ale Resort within the Lampi Marine National Park, which is the most visited site by European tourists, will see the end of its tourism season by mid-May. The park continues to attract more international than domestic tourists and stands as a proud national marine reserve that supports the country’s tourism sector. — Thitsa (MNA)/KTZH
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Among various tourism services, land and coastal leisure travel has become increasingly popular with both domestic and international visitors. In Myanmar, the Wah Ale Island, located within the Lampi Marine National Park, has been attracting more European tourists than local visitors. As the tourism season comes to an end, tourist arrivals are expected to conclude by mid-May.
The Lampi Marine National Park, situated in the Myeik Archipelago in Taninthayi Region with more than 800 islands, is globally recognized as a park that supports the survival of amphibians and marine research, and a recreational site for the local and foreign visitors for its stunning sea views. Due to its rich flora and fauna, including rare species, it is considered highly valuable for research.
Foreign tourists visit the Wah Ale Resort through bookings every year to do a variety of activities, such as scuba diving to observe coral reefs, kayaking through mangrove forests and coastal caves, studying and documenting seagrass and rare marine species, swimming within the park, enjoying sunset views, walking along sandy beaches, and learning about the lifestyle of the local Moken (Salon) ethnic group. Visitors also explore the island’s forests to study biodiversity, wildlife, medicinal plants, and rare species of birds, butterflies, and orchids.
“Most foreign visitors come to the Wah Ale Island based on their research interests. They are especially drawn to the natural beauty of the sea, marine ecosystems, forests, rare species, fish and shrimp breeding areas in mangrove forests, and coral reefs. Many are particularly interested in closely studying forest ecosystems. The eco-friendly accommodation and transport services also appeal to them. As the travel season is ending this month, all pre-booked visitors will have completed their trips by mid-May. The Lampi Marine National Park and Wah Ale Resort also contribute significantly to the Blue Economy,” said U Kyi Oo, warden of the park.
The Lampi Island was recognized as a marine national park on 28 February 1996 and as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013. The Wah Ale Resort within the Lampi Marine National Park, which is the most visited site by European tourists, will see the end of its tourism season by mid-May. The park continues to attract more international than domestic tourists and stands as a proud national marine reserve that supports the country’s tourism sector. — Thitsa (MNA)/KTZH
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More than 510,000 domestic and international visitors had arrived in Bagan as of 25 April this year, and with expected surges during the Kason full moon period, total arrivals are projected to surpass the over 530,000 recorded by April last year.
The Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone is expected to attract more visitors in the first four months of this year than in the same period last year, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism (Bagan Branch).
During the international New Year and the Myanmar New Year festivals, domestic and foreign visitors visited the Bagan archaeological zone, especially the 18 famous pagodas and temples, and those featuring ancient mural paintings, were crowded with visitors. And so, it is estimated that visitor arrivals this year will surpass those of the same four-month period last year.
“Compared to the first four months of last year, the number of domestic and foreign visitors up to the end of these four months this year is not significantly different. However, if there are no issues such as extreme heat or fuel shortages in late March and April, the number of visitors is expected to increase noticeably compared to last year. We are pleased to see a steady increase in tourist arrivals year by year. As the full moon day of Kason falls at the end of this month, we expect more visitors to come. Including this holiday period, it can be said that more tourists will visit Bagan compared to the previous four months. It is encouraging to see the continuous growth in tourist arrivals each year. Since there will be a four-day holiday including the Kason full moon day, we would like to invite pilgrims and travellers from across the country to visit Bagan,” said Daw San San Myint, assistant director of the department.
During the recent four-day Thingyan festival, more than 9,000 local and foreign visitors came to Bagan. In comparison, over 14,000 visitors were recorded during the same period last year. Although there was a decrease of about 5,000 visitors due to extreme heat and fuel difficulties, the total number of visitors during the first four months of this year did not decline compared to last year.
Last year, more than 530,000 domestic and international visitors arrived in Bagan by April. This year, more than 510,000 visitors had already arrived by 25 April, and with the expected crowds during the Kason full moon period at the end of April, the total number is projected to exceed last year’s figure. — Oktha/KTZH
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More than 510,000 domestic and international visitors had arrived in Bagan as of 25 April this year, and with expected surges during the Kason full moon period, total arrivals are projected to surpass the over 530,000 recorded by April last year.
The Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone is expected to attract more visitors in the first four months of this year than in the same period last year, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism (Bagan Branch).
During the international New Year and the Myanmar New Year festivals, domestic and foreign visitors visited the Bagan archaeological zone, especially the 18 famous pagodas and temples, and those featuring ancient mural paintings, were crowded with visitors. And so, it is estimated that visitor arrivals this year will surpass those of the same four-month period last year.
“Compared to the first four months of last year, the number of domestic and foreign visitors up to the end of these four months this year is not significantly different. However, if there are no issues such as extreme heat or fuel shortages in late March and April, the number of visitors is expected to increase noticeably compared to last year. We are pleased to see a steady increase in tourist arrivals year by year. As the full moon day of Kason falls at the end of this month, we expect more visitors to come. Including this holiday period, it can be said that more tourists will visit Bagan compared to the previous four months. It is encouraging to see the continuous growth in tourist arrivals each year. Since there will be a four-day holiday including the Kason full moon day, we would like to invite pilgrims and travellers from across the country to visit Bagan,” said Daw San San Myint, assistant director of the department.
During the recent four-day Thingyan festival, more than 9,000 local and foreign visitors came to Bagan. In comparison, over 14,000 visitors were recorded during the same period last year. Although there was a decrease of about 5,000 visitors due to extreme heat and fuel difficulties, the total number of visitors during the first four months of this year did not decline compared to last year.
Last year, more than 530,000 domestic and international visitors arrived in Bagan by April. This year, more than 510,000 visitors had already arrived by 25 April, and with the expected crowds during the Kason full moon period at the end of April, the total number is projected to exceed last year’s figure. — Oktha/KTZH
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More than 60,000 visitors entered the Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan during the Thingyan period, marking a significant increase compared with last year, according to the pagoda’s Board of Trustees.
During the 2025 Thingyan festival, from 13 to 16 April, over 42,000 visitors were recorded. This year’s festival saw a notable rise, despite challenges such as adverse weather conditions and fuel shortages. Foreign visitors from China, India, Japan and the United States were also among those visiting the site.
The board chairman said that Bagan remains a key destination for both domestic and international tourists due to its rich cultural heritage. He added that the steady flow of visitors during the four-day festival also boosted local businesses.
Although overall tourist numbers to Bagan have fluctuated in recent years, major landmarks, particularly Shwezigon Pagoda, have continued to attract large crowds. Religious activities, including donations and communal meals, were also actively carried out.
On Myanmar New Year’s Day, more than 2,000 monks received alms offerings on the pagoda platform, with devotees taking part in merit-making activities throughout the festival. — Ottha/KZL
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More than 60,000 visitors entered the Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan during the Thingyan period, marking a significant increase compared with last year, according to the pagoda’s Board of Trustees.
During the 2025 Thingyan festival, from 13 to 16 April, over 42,000 visitors were recorded. This year’s festival saw a notable rise, despite challenges such as adverse weather conditions and fuel shortages. Foreign visitors from China, India, Japan and the United States were also among those visiting the site.
The board chairman said that Bagan remains a key destination for both domestic and international tourists due to its rich cultural heritage. He added that the steady flow of visitors during the four-day festival also boosted local businesses.
Although overall tourist numbers to Bagan have fluctuated in recent years, major landmarks, particularly Shwezigon Pagoda, have continued to attract large crowds. Religious activities, including donations and communal meals, were also actively carried out.
On Myanmar New Year’s Day, more than 2,000 monks received alms offerings on the pagoda platform, with devotees taking part in merit-making activities throughout the festival. — Ottha/KZL
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Ayeyawady Region recorded nearly 700,000 domestic and international visitors during the first three months of 2026, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism.
From January to 31 March 2026, the region welcomed around 700,000 travellers. In comparison, more than 1.9 million visitors were recorded in 2024, while over 1.5 million visited in 2025.
At the beginning of this year, Ngwehsaung Beach received over 220,000 visitors, while Chaungtha and Shwethaungyan beaches together attracted more than 160,000 tourists.
The region currently has 126 hotels and guesthouses licensed by the Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture, offering 5,475 rooms, along with 443 guesthouses licensed by municipal authorities, providing 6,813 rooms.
In total, Ayeyawady Region has 5,069 hotels and guesthouses with 12,088 rooms available for visitors. — ASH/KZL
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Ayeyawady Region recorded nearly 700,000 domestic and international visitors during the first three months of 2026, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism.
From January to 31 March 2026, the region welcomed around 700,000 travellers. In comparison, more than 1.9 million visitors were recorded in 2024, while over 1.5 million visited in 2025.
At the beginning of this year, Ngwehsaung Beach received over 220,000 visitors, while Chaungtha and Shwethaungyan beaches together attracted more than 160,000 tourists.
The region currently has 126 hotels and guesthouses licensed by the Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture, offering 5,475 rooms, along with 443 guesthouses licensed by municipal authorities, providing 6,813 rooms.
In total, Ayeyawady Region has 5,069 hotels and guesthouses with 12,088 rooms available for visitors. — ASH/KZL
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More than 180,000 pilgrims have visited the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda festival in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Magway Region, with a total of 187,118 visitors recorded as of 4 April, according to the pagoda board of trustees.
The annual festival, which runs for 86 days from 22 January to 17 April 2026 (from the 5th waxing day of Tabodwe to Myanmar New Year Day), has drawn large crowds, especially during weekends and public holidays. Pilgrims have travelled from across the country, including major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, using both tour buses and private vehicles.
A total of 17,259 vehicles of various sizes and 1,304 motorcycles have entered the festival grounds, reflecting higher attendance compared to last year. Accommodation has been arranged to ensure visitors can stay comfortably, although lodging facilities have been fully occupied during peak holiday periods.
The festival is expected to grow busier as it approaches its closing day on Myanmar New Year Day following the Thingyan holidays, said U Aye Ko, chairman of the pagoda board of trustees. — Zeya Naing (Shwe Kan Myay)/KZL
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More than 180,000 pilgrims have visited the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda festival in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Magway Region, with a total of 187,118 visitors recorded as of 4 April, according to the pagoda board of trustees.
The annual festival, which runs for 86 days from 22 January to 17 April 2026 (from the 5th waxing day of Tabodwe to Myanmar New Year Day), has drawn large crowds, especially during weekends and public holidays. Pilgrims have travelled from across the country, including major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, using both tour buses and private vehicles.
A total of 17,259 vehicles of various sizes and 1,304 motorcycles have entered the festival grounds, reflecting higher attendance compared to last year. Accommodation has been arranged to ensure visitors can stay comfortably, although lodging facilities have been fully occupied during peak holiday periods.
The festival is expected to grow busier as it approaches its closing day on Myanmar New Year Day following the Thingyan holidays, said U Aye Ko, chairman of the pagoda board of trustees. — Zeya Naing (Shwe Kan Myay)/KZL
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Springtime flower-viewing tours are emerging as a major attraction across China ahead of this year’s Qingming Festival, with cities and rural destinations rolling out cultural performances, interactive travel services and countryside experiences to lure visitors and boost the tourism economy.
Falling on April 5 this year, the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tributes to ancestors. The three-day holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing in pleasant springtime temperatures.
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Springtime flower-viewing tours are emerging as a major attraction across China ahead of this year’s Qingming Festival, with cities and rural destinations rolling out cultural performances, interactive travel services and countryside experiences to lure visitors and boost the tourism economy.
Falling on April 5 this year, the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tributes to ancestors. The three-day holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing in pleasant springtime temperatures.
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Naruto-themed attractions are set to open at the Spirou theme park near Avignon, in southern France, a first outside Japan, according to park officials who have secured the licence to operate the famous manga. The site, which covers 1.5 hectares and has seen an investment of €16 million over four years, recreates a Japanese village and invites visitors to learn the basics of ninja techniques.
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Naruto-themed attractions are set to open at the Spirou theme park near Avignon, in southern France, a first outside Japan, according to park officials who have secured the licence to operate the famous manga. The site, which covers 1.5 hectares and has seen an investment of €16 million over four years, recreates a Japanese village and invites visitors to learn the basics of ninja techniques.
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