Major initiatives unveiled for Hangzhou-Huangshan ecological, cultural corridor

A cross-province cooperation conference was held in Lin'an district, Hangzhou on May 22 to promote the Hangzhou-Huangshan World-Class Natural Ecological and Cultural Tourism Corridor.

The initiative was aimed at enhancing cultural and tourism offerings and introduced a series of new measures.

The corridor, conceptualized in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), is a major project with the objective of improving tourism destinations. In 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism outlined plans to make it a model for environmental protection and green development, as well as a world-renowned tourism destination.

At the conference, the two cities launched the Hangzhou-Huangshan Golden Tourism Routes, featuring eight unique travel itineraries. The Zhejiang-Anhui Scenic and Cultural Heritage Tour, linking West Lake and Yellow Mountain, was a highlight. Other routes included outdoor adventures like the Zhejiang-Anhui cross-country drive and the Anhui-Hangzhou Ancient Trail hike.

Both cities also announced attractive tourism incentives. For example, Huangshan residents can enjoy free or discounted admission to various scenic spots in western Hangzhou, including a 50-percent discount on tickets to the popular Qingshan Lake Water Forest in Lin'an.

Additionally, agreements for six major projects were signed, including indoor skiing, eco-tourism, wellness resorts, and outdoor sports facilities. The projects are expected to generate over 5 billion yuan in cultural and tourism revenue.