The main line of the Great Wall No 1 tourist highway in Shanxi province has been connected, according to a conference on the construction of the province's Great Wall National Cultural Park in Xinzhou city on Aug 30. 

Shanxi has been proactively focusing on crucial projects and implementing support systems to safeguard the Great Wall while optimizing its tourism potential. 

The province has completed the protection planning of the Great Wall National Cultural Park (Shanxi section) and produced territorial and topographic maps for six core exhibition areas. 

It has secured 13.43 million yuan ($1.85 million) in specialized funds for cultural relic protection from the central and provincial governments. The funds are used to repair and renovate 14 sections of the Great Wall. An additional 240 million yuan in national funding has been allocated to the province to construct the Great Wall National Cultural Park. 

Related infrastructure support has been improved. As of the end of July, a total investment of 14.02 billion yuan has been put into constructing the 2,482 kilometers of the Great Wall No 1 tourist highway. In addition, 162 kilometers of slow-walking lanes, 22 service stations, 10 caravan campsites, and 25 observation decks have been completed. 

The construction of high-end B&Bs and tent hotels has been accelerated, driving the development of Great Wall theme tourism and increasing residents' income.

Different public venues, such as Datong Great Wall Museum and the Niangziguan Great Wall Cultural International Exchange Center, have developed Great Wall-themed reading and guided voice systems, providing a comprehensive digital display of the Great Wall's history and culture. 

Relying on the ancient Great Wall and its surrounding tourism resources, Shanxi has developed thematic travel routes and launched Great Wall-themed cultural creative products and artistic works, enhancing tourists' cultural and tourism experience to the Great Wall sections in the province.