A cultural tourism festival took place in a Karst scenic spot in Yiyuan county in Zibo, East China's Shandong province on Feb 18.
It was part of the county's efforts to revitalize its rural areas through the integration of agriculture, culture and tourism. It aims to draw more visitors, optimize the county's cultural tourism resources, and promote high quality growth of the local economy.
According to the organizer, more than 10,000 tourists will gather in Yiyuan in batches in the following week. They will visit a group of scenic spots, such as the Jiutian Cave, and villages famous for their leisure agriculture and tourism, Zhujiahu and Jibaoyu.
Some locations of historical significance to the Communist Party of China are also on their "to-visit" list.
To further stimulate cultural and tourism consumption this year, Yiyuan has offered preferential tickets its state-owned scenic spots since Jan 21. It has also rolled out guidelines and subsidy policies to boost people's confidence in cultural activities and travel.
In addition, the county is speeding up the construction of key scenic area projects, including a scenic area featuring the ancient Chinese love story between Zhinv, or the Weaving Maid, and Niulang, or the Cowherd.
More festivals and promotional events will be planned by the local government to expand the presence of Yiyuan's culture and tourism and help develop its tourism sector.
Visitors buy local agricultural products at the event in Yiyuan county. [Photo/zbnews.net]
