LION dancers, firecrackers, a display of martial arts and the chance to sample oriental cuisine will be among the attractions of a 'Chinese Quarter' at this year's Southampton Boat Show.

It is the first time such an attraction has been included in the annual show's 39-year history and aims to give visitors a taste of Qingdao, Southampton's sister city.

The two cities have enjoyed close civic, business and education links since 1997 and Southampton City Council, the city's chamber of commerce and the China-Britain Business Council have jointly funded a dedicated office in Qingdao to facilitate business contacts.

It will also be a chance for the boat show to highlight the forthcoming 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2012 Games in London.

Ping Hua, chairman of the Chinese Association of Southampton, said: "We are all looking forward to the 2008 Games and delighted to have the opportunity to share our excitement with everyone at the Southampton Boat Show."

Mike Enser, marketing manager at National Boat Shows, said: "Both Southampton and Qingdao are synonymous with marine excellence and it is a privilege to be able to bring both cities together to the Southampton Boat Show."

This year's boat show in the city's Mayflower Park will run from September 14 until September 23.

All stalls have been sold out for the event, which is expected to attract in the region of 130,000 visitors and more than 600 exhibitors.

Tickets are available from www.southamptonboatshow.co.uk or by ringing the ticket hotline on 0870 060 0246.