The Yangquan branch event of the Seventh Shanxi Tourism Development Conference opens in the Taolin Ditch scenic area, in Yangquan on Sept 16. [Photo/Yangquan Evening News]

The Yangquan branch event of the Seventh Shanxi Tourism Development Conference opened in the Taolin Ditch scenic area in Yangquan city in North China's Shanxi province on Sept 16. 

The event was hosted by Shanxi Department of Culture and Tourism, Yangquan municipal Party committee and Yangquan municipal government.

During the three-day event, a number of activities were staged – such as a Rural Tourism Development Forum and a special products fair – with the aim of creating an influential tourism event brand.

An exhibitor proudly shows her wares on Sept 16. [Photo/Yangquan Evening News]

Among those attending, were local experts and specialists in the cultural and tourism industries, officials from Yangquan cultural and tourism departments, as well as representatives of various tourist attractions. 

They mapped out rural revitalization strategies and policies based on current conditions in Yangquan's rural tourism industry and outlined suggestions for the long-term and dynamic development of the culture and tourism sectors. 

The special products fair on Sept 16-18 sold handicrafts and agricultural products online and offline, attracting many customers. 

In recent years, Yangquan has explored the development potential of its rural tourism, developed five national key rural tourism villages and towns – as well as 35 provincial and municipal rural tourism demonstration villages.