China to Tap Tourism Resources in Western AreaThe Chinese government will allocate 800 million yuan for construction of infrastructure facilities in key scenic spots this year, with 600 million yuan being designated for its western regions.Zhang Xiqin, deputy director of the State Tourism Administration, said on June 7 that the central government is stipulating a series of preferential policies to stimulate the development of tourism industry in western China. The 10 provinces, autonomous regions and municipality in western China have all made tourism a pillar industry, said Zhang. But the lack of funds and personnel has restricted the development of the tourism sector, he said. Western area have rich tourism resources, including the well- known Three Gorges, terra-cotta warriors and the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221- 206 B.C.) in Shaanxi, the Mogao Grottoes in Gansu, and the Dazu ( Big Foot) Stone Sculpture in Sichuan, as well as the Potala Palace in Tibet. China's largest Tourism Fair will be held in July in the Xinjiang Ugyur Autonomous Region, said Zhang. Zhang is attending the Three Gorges Tourism Festival which opened on Tuesday. |
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