Pingnan tourism gets a favorable push from policies

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2013-08-05

This Aug 2 was a hot summer day so it was no surprise to see the tourists enjoying themselves with their eco-tourism, in the 80,000 square meters of shallow water in the Baishuiyang scenic area of Pingnan county, Fujian province, but the number was shocking -- 20,000.

Hardly a wonder though since Pingnan has set up a special fund and has given priority in land use to tourism projects, backing it with financial rewards, loan discounts, and reduced water and electricity fees.

It is also encouraging hotels to apply for a star-rating, with 3-star hotels getting a bonus. And those favorable policies appear to have paid off, with large amounts of private capital being enticed into tourism and helping, for example, with the development of Yuanyang Lake, Qinxin Garden and other areas.

Edited by Roger Bradshaw