(CFP Photo)
Yangzhou announced an action plan to transform itself into a globally recognized cultural and tourism city after surpassing 100 million tourist visits in 2023 for the first time, as revealed at the city’s work conference on March 18.
Wang Jinjian, secretary of the CPC Yangzhou Municipal Committee, said the city will accelerate the enhancement of its cultural and tourism offerings and attract leading enterprises to establish a local presence.
The action plan focuses on highlighting the city’s unique role in exploring the Grand Canal and celebrating Chinese cultural identity. In cooperation with social media platforms, Yangzhou has also unveiled a list of popular cultural and tourism sites, including the China Grand Canal Museum and the park based on the Mausoleum of Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty.
To realize its development objectives, Yangzhou has intensified efforts to integrate its tourism resources, ensuring coordination across transportation, scenic areas and interactions in the city.
Currently, Yangzhou is home to 57 A-level tourist attractions and 8 tourist resorts. Over the past weekend, the China Grand Canal Museum received more than 30,000 visitors, offering immersive experiences to explore the ancient waterway system. The city also features travel routes linking landmarks along the ancient canal, waterway sightseeing boats, and trips spanning the Slender West Lake and the ancient canal.
Amid the development efforts, Yangzhou has prioritized its cultural and tourism projects. By the end of 2023, Yangzhou had identified 103 such pivotal projects with a total planned investment of 85.49 billion yuan.
Notably, the 2.46-kilometre-long northern moat of Yangzhou, originating from the ancient canal, connects a hub of intangible cultural heritage, Tianning Temple and other historical attractions at the core of ancient Yangzhou.
It also hosts a venue that emphasizes its designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and integrates the cultural heritage in the resort area. Yangzhou’s tea houses are also heading towards peak season as spring comes.
