'Red tourism' project marks war anniversary

Baoding in North China's Hebei province is promoting "red tourism", or revolution-era tourism, to mark the 70th anniversary of victory in the world anti-fascist war.

The promotion will begin on May 19 and run until the end of October. According to the Hebei tourism authority, it will introduce 165 preferential policies to encourage tourists to visit scenic spots in Baoding with theme of the War of Resistance against Japan.

Major scenic spots as well as other tourism-related industries including hotels in Baoding will waive fees or give discounts on tickets.

"Baoding is located in the heartland of the anti-Japanese base area in the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei border region. It was the main battlefield of the anti-Japanese war in North China with abundant red-tourism resources," said Zhao Xuefeng, deputy director of Hebei tourism authority.

"Baoding has the first formal modern military academy, the military headquarters of the anti-Japanese base area and the birthplace of guerrilla tactics," added Zhao. "This promotion will leverage the red tourism industry and lead to the upgrading of the whole tourism industry chain."