Guizhou's Tongren sees bright future in tourism

Zhusha ancient town in Wanshan district, Tongren, Southwest China's Guizhou province covers an area of 5 square kilometers, as well as produced 33,000 tons of mercury and vermilion from 1950 to 2001, accounting for more than 80 percent of the nation's total output then. However, it is developing a reputation for becoming a tourist hub.

Zhusha has welcomed more than 6 million tourists from home and abroad, generating more than 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in tourism revenue since its operation in 2016, said Wang Fangzhong, deputy manager of Guizhou Tongren Jiyang Tourism Development Co during the 8th Tongren Tourism Industry Development Conference held in Tongren's Wanshan district on Oct 12.

The local government invested 2 billion yuan in 2015 when it started to develop its tourism industry by building Zhusha into a resort known for its mining industry and leisure facilities. The refurbished town opened to the public in May 2016.

In addition to Zhusha, Tongren boasts many other famous attractions like Fanjing Mountain, Yamu Ditch, and Shiqian Hot Spring. The local government has tried to make use of the lucid waters and lush mountains to boost economic development and help its poverty alleviation efforts.

"Giving priority to the environment and pushing forward green development is the best way to transform," said Chen Changxu, the Party secretary of Tongren.

Last year, more than 90 million tourists visited Tongren, which generated 74 billion yuan of tourism income, Chen added.

“We are working at having Zhusha ancient town designated as a national 5A scenic spot and a world cultural heritage site, boosting the city's tourism development potential and cultivating a new economic growth pole,” said Chen Shaorong, mayor of Tongren.