Jinan authorities provide update on efforts to enhance rural tourism

Jinan authorities held a news conference on Aug 2 to highlight some of the efforts they have made in driving the development of rural tourism.

The city has in recent years allocated over 30 million yuan ($4.18 million) of fiscal funds every year to promote the development of rural tourism. Authorities have also provided guidance to over 30 villages to carry out environmental improvements and trained 1,500 people in matters related to rural tourism.

Jinan currently has 20 rural tourism routes featuring different characteristics such as springs in rural areas and academic tours. It has also rolled out rural tourism programs in places like the Dongquan village resort in Licheng district, and the Xueye village resort in Laiwu district.

There are presently 15 guesthouse clusters designated as officially recognized "Spring City Homes" and 650 high-quality homestays offering 1,925 guest rooms in Jinan.

Jinan has set the goal of adding at least 15 guesthouse entities to the "Spring City Homes" list this year.

Local authorities are also aiming to build two village tourism cluster areas and five demonstration villages for rural tourism.

Local officials announced during the news conference that Jinan will further leverage the cultural characteristics in villages to create diverse rural tourism programs such as modern agricultural sightseeing tours, village life experience tours, and rural folk customs tours.