Pingyao ecotourism construction project goes well

Following the Lawn Art Plaza and Silk Road Museum, another themed structure in Pingyao Ecotourism and Culture Industrial Park—the West Shore Art Block–has recently been complete and will be open to the public soon.

The block is seeking companies, craftspeople and designers to conduct their cultural and creative businesses in the region, and together establish a public platform for cultural and artistic innovation.

Initiated in September 2015, the first-phase project of the industrial park with an investment of 1 billion yuan ($143.92 million) includes a cultural and creative park and a spa resort, covering a floor area of 15 hectares.

At a cost of 16.75 billion yuan, Pingyao Ecotourism and Culture Industrial Park is the largest project introduced to the county. Aimed at boosting local ecotourism-based economy and culture, the 600-hectare park will house individuals, institutes and businesses engaged in tourism, art, recreation, agriculture and environmental protection. It will take 10 years to complete the three-phase project which is scheduled to be finished in 2024.

"The construction of the first phase has gone well and our company will help Pingyao upgrade its tourism and promote the new image of the county," said Huang Yingyan, a staff member of Shanxi Yuetou Culture and Tourism Co, which is the developer of the park.

Currently the company is constructing the cultural and creative park and the spa resort in the core area of the ecotourism and culture industrial park. The industrial park is expected to open and receive visitors in October 2017, according to Huang.