Pingyao to promote cultural tourism

Pingyao in North China's Shanxi province recently put forward a plan to develop tourism by branding more of its cultural resources.

The county will use a 10-million-yuan ($1.61 million) fund to develop local tourism, and help cultural brands to play a bigger role.

The county will promote itself with tourist souvenirs like polished lacquerware and Pingyao beef, and through events like the Pingyao International Photography Festival and Pingyao Chinese New Year celebration.

Zhao Yongping, head of the county's federation of literary and art circles, said Pingyao's rich and extensive culture is the source of many cultural brands.

He also called for international professional cooperation and emphasized the importance of planning and professionals for the cultural industry.