Study tour leads way for cultural tourism in Pingyao

More than 100 middle school students from Lyuliang city in North China's Shanxi province recently journeyed to the world famous Ancient City of Pingyao in the same province -- which received a UNESCO World Heritage Listing in 1997, according to local officials. 

They came to experience the charms of the ancient city and the culture of the Shanxi merchants through a tour featuring hands-on learning, which included visits to top scenic spots and attending lectures.

Officials said the student tour represents a new direction for tourism in Pingyao.

It followed a strategic cooperation agreement signed on July 4 to develop hands-on inquiry based learning projects -- and to promote the high-quality development of off-campus education in Pingyao.

The agreement was signed by the Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Area Management Co and the Jinzhong city branch of the National Primary and Secondary School Research and Practice Education Camp.

The tour was the first educational practice trip since the agreement was signed.

Officials said it is expected to enhance the education of students, spur the innovation and development of the cultural tourism industry in Pingyao and provide another boost to the inheritance of local cultural heritage.