Ancient city launches measures to boost cultural tourism

Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province held a conference on March 2 and launched various measures to promote the rapid development of the cultural tourism industry, according to local officials.

In 2020, the city is constructing 23 cultural tourism projects, with a planned investment of 13.7 billion yuan ($1.97 billion).

Officials said the city regards cultural tourism venues as an important platform to accelerate the development of the sector.

It is planning major activities, including green water and mountain tours, beautiful countryside tours, classic food tours and cultural fun tours, to meet the new consumer demand for cultural tourism after the novel coronavirus epidemic passes.

For micro, small and medium-sized cultural enterprises with strong innovation capabilities, good development prospects and rapid growth rates, the city will provide grants of 50,000-300,000 yuan to support research and development of new products and the development of new formats to promote the transformation and upgrading.

The newly recognized national and provincial cultural industry demonstration parks and bases will be awarded 3 million yuan and 1 million yuan, respectively.

Those newly rated as national-level and provincial-level tourist resorts will be awarded 2 million yuan and 1 million yuan, respectively.

In addition, the city will increase investment in building infrastructure and museums and will give awards of up to 1 million yuan for various types of tourism infrastructure construction and smart tourism construction.

Tourists from all over the country can visit scenic spots that have reopened for free within three months. Medical workers across the country can visit 34 scenic spots free of charge throughout the year with valid credentials.

After the epidemic is over, the city will release its Xi'an Culture Huimin Card in batches. The card is loaded with 400 yuan and citizens need only to recharge the card for 100 yuan, to purchase tickets and enjoy high-level cultural performances.