Zhoushan, a coastal city known for its marine industry in East China's Zhejiang province, held a series of activities to celebrate the 2018 World Ocean Day, from June 8 to 10.

Themed on the idea of "forging ahead in the new era and setting sail in the new ocean", the three-day event attracted government officials and experts specializing in marine industry from more than 30 countries, to share their professional insights into the development of the marine economy in Zhejiang.

Zhang Li, a 40-year-old man who comes from Zhoushan, was the conductor of the opening ceremony.

"With the recognition for the marine culture, this year's opening ceremony is supported by a lot of celebrities, including Bai Yansong, a famous anchor and journalist from China Central Television, who is the ocean ambassador this year," said Zhang with pride.

Another ambassador is Miao Miao, a young Chinese actress known for Youth (2017).

It is hoped that through their concerted efforts, more people will pay attention to the marine culture and the protection of the ocean, according to the organizing committee.

In recent years, Zhejiang province has made great strides towards the development of a marine economy. Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, a super-port formed in 2015 after the merger of ports in Ningbo and neighboring Zhoushan, is currently the world's first to have a year's cargo throughput of 1 billion metric tons in a single year.

According to the goal set by Zhejiang departments, the gross ocean production is expected to reach 1400 billion yuan ($219 billion) by 2022 in the province.

Bai Yansong (left), a famous anchor and journalist from China Central Television, Wang Hong (middle), director of the State Oceanic Administration, and Miao Miao (right), a young actress, pose at the opening ceremony of the 2018 World Ocean Day. [Photo/sina.cn]

An aerial view of Zhoushan islands in East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/sina.cn]