Stunning landscapes, clean air and water make for the perfect summer excursion in Southwest China

Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province, is focusing on ecological protection, infrastructure improvements and integrating industries to build itself into a world famous tourism city.

Featuring a cool climate, rolling hills, sufficient rainfall and low ultraviolet radiation, Guiyang has been known for years as one of the best summer travel destinations in China.

It was awarded the best ecological tourist destination 2017 by the China National Travel magazine earlier this month, and has been a national civilized city since 2011.

About 139 million tourists from home and abroad visited the city in the first nine months of this year, increasing 36.8 percent from the same period last year. Tourism revenue reached 160 billion yuan ($24.4 billion) during the period, up 42.4 percent year-on-year.

Yuan Yunlong, director of the Guiyang Tourism Development Committee, said the city's ecological resources are its key competitive edge, which will play an important role in further development.

Guiyang has a climate that is never too hot in summer or too cold in winter. Its average temperature stays at about 15.3 C throughout the year. Statistics from the Ministry of Environmental Protection show that Guiyang's air quality ranked among the top five in a list of 74 major Chinese cities over the first nine months this year.

By 2020, Guiyang's forest coverage is forecast to reach 60 percent. About 90 percent of days every year will have good air quality. The average density of PM2.5 pollutant particles in the air will remain around 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The water quality in 82 percent of the city's rivers and lakes will meet the national standard. These goals are all outlined in the city's official plan.

In addition, the city will improve its transportation network and infrastructural facilities to attract more tourists.

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport has opened air routes to all the major Chinese mainland cities and Taiwan, as well as cities in South Korea, Japan and Singapore.

The airport is currently undergoing an expansion project and is estimated to welcome 32 million to 40 million passengers a year by 2018.

According to the Guiyang Tourism Development Committee, the city will complete the construction of a tourism center in three to five years, serving visitors who want to visit the rest of Southwest China surrounding Guizhou.

There are 56 star-rated hotels in Guiyang. The local authorities have also recognized 32 high-quality summer resorts.

Yuan said tourism is not only a service industry in the traditional manner, but an engine to promote the development of the local economy by integrating different industries.

The city has released several rural tourism projects in the many villages within its administration, attracting 43.7 billion yuan in revenue since 2011.

It has organized cultural events, including the opening of a Confucius School, Yangming Cultural Festival, traditional arts performances and tea-themed activities to highlight its unique culture.

Based on its scenic and extensive mountain areas, the city has developed many outdoor sports for tourists, including drifting, cycling, hiking and marathons. The many local springs contribute to the city's branding as a leisure and relaxing tourism destination.

Jay Ellenby, chairman of the American Society of Travel Agents, said that in the past he only knew big cities of China, such as Beijing and Hong Kong, but now he believes the architecture, culture, food and natural landscapes in Guiyang are all worth promoting in overseas markets.

Ari Marom, CEO of Vered Tours, said the ethnic customs and natural landscapes will attract more tourists.

The city said it will also construct catering clusters and introduce more hotels, camping areas, motels, hostels and country inns to improve accommodation services. Duty free shops will sell local specialties. By 2020, the number of tourists is expected to hit 230 million, driving annual revenue of more than 320 billion yuan.

Listed as a national civilized city of China for three years, Guiyang is emphasizing improved livelihoods for local residents during its development.

About 710,000 volunteers provide services at the airport and train stations, plant trees, and take care of left-behind children, disabled and elderly people who live alone.

About 800 old residential communities were renovated, improving the living environment for about 400,000 people.

Stories of local moral models have been promoted among the public to advocate a spirit of kindness, honesty, righteousness and filial piety.

Official statistics show that 95 percent of citizens feel satisfied with the effects of these civilization construction projects.

(China Daily 11/27/2017 page15)