Pingyao rated highly in tourism sector

Pingyao county in North China's Shanxi province was recently ranked nationally for its tourism.

The county -- where a 2,700-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Ancient City of Pingyao is located -- was rated as one of the 2020 Top 100 Chinese counties and county-level cities in terms of its comprehensive tourism competitiveness.

According to a report on 2020 China's county tourism competitiveness released on Nov 12, the top 100 Chinese counties and county-level cities -- in terms of their comprehensive tourism competitiveness -- all excelled in their rich tourism resources, active tourism economy, convenient tourism facilities, eco-friendly environment, effective government promotions and strong reputation in their tourism brands in 2019. 

The ancient county has greatly improved its domestic and overseas reputation over the decades by launching regular international cultural and tourism events, such as the Pingyao International Photography Festival, the Pingyao International Film Festival and Sculpture Projects Ping Yao -- as well as having established sister city ties with international metropolises, including Kyakhta in Russia.

It has also boosted its local cultural tourism sector by developing aerial tour services, creating Pingyao-related animation and dramas and having established a cultural creative R&D center together with the Palace Museum in Beijing.

This year, it also initiated a program targeting young people, enabling them to learn about the ancient county's culture and history.