Guizhou Province in southwest China has planned to invest heavily in the next three years to step up infrastructure construction in scenic spots area in the Miao-Dong Autonomous Prefecture in southwest Guizhou with a view to attracting more visitors.

Seven million yuan has already been allocated by the State Development Planning Commission and the National Tourism Administration for construction of infrastructure facilities in the prefecture, said Yang Shengming, an official in charge of the province's tourism.

She said that the prefecture, known for its unique folk customs, ethnic cultures and ancient buildings, has been listed by the UNESCO as one of the world's top ten scenic spots which are well in the position for people to "return to nature".

Construction of highways and an airport leading to the prefecture are currently underway, making it easier for tourists to reach the area.

Land-locked Guizhou is known as a "garden province" for its scenic forests, ancient architectural buildings, and ethnic minority villages featuring unique ethnic culture.

Since 1990, the provincial government has made tourism the province's pillar industry. In 1998, more than 20 million domestic and overseas tourists visited Guizhou.