Sand sculptures featuring popular cartoon characters are erected on Nansha Beach, Zhujiajian Island, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, for the upcoming 21st Zhoushan International Sand Sculpture Festival. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

The 21st Zhoushan International Sand Sculpture Festival will open on Nansha Beach, Zhujiajian Island, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on July 19.

The animation-themed festival will display more than 50 sand sculptures depicting popular cartoon characters made by over 30 sculptors from seven countries including China, Russia, Spain and Canada.

A foreign sculptor works on his piece at Nansha Beach. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

Initiated in 1999, the annual event has contributed greatly to the local sand sculpture industry and has helped to boost tourism.

A host of entertainment activities will be available on the opening day, organizers said.

Visitors watch a half-completed sand sculpture on Nansha Beach. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]