Yangzhou unveils new policy to boost tourism

The Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Congress passed new regulations to promote the tourism industry in Yangzhou on Nov 17. The regulations will come into effect on Jan 1, 2021, local media reported.

According to the regulations, local governments will work to preserve and make full use of their tourism resources and develop unique Yangzhou products. Additionally, public services and management measures will be implemented to turn tourism into one of the city's leading industries.

Governments and food-related associations are encouraged to work together to form a list of popular local restaurants and specialties, an official of the city's legislative affairs commission revealed.

"The list will help people discover the best food in Yangzhou," the official said.

The government also plans to upgrade tourist attractions such as ancient towns, gardens, and ferries, especially those along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

In addition, the city plans to develop a series of tourism products featuring local intangible cultural heritages items, such as woodblock printing, paper-cutting, and embroidery.

All government-sponsored attractions will offer discounts to people with disabilities, the elderly,  students, children, and more. The public is also free to visit government-sponsored parks, museums, libraries, and art galleries, except those with items considered to be "valuable treasures".