Qingyang and Xi'an sign joint tourism agreement

To further promote its tourism industry, Qingyang, a city in Gansu province, made close cooperation with Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province and one of the most popular tourism destinations in China.

Qingyang city government held a Qingyang cultural and tourism products (Xi'an) promotion on Monday to show the city's development of cultural and tourism while promoting its key cultural and tourism.

Qingyang deputy mayor Zhao Changjun introduced the city's 10 key scenic spots, six boutique tourist routes, and 15 tourism investment projects as well as six preferential policies to encourage the development of its tourism industry.

An agreement for 11 key cultural and tourism projects designed by the city of Qingyang was signed by city departments and companies from Qingyang and Xi'an. Total investments for the agrement reach 3.17 billion yuan ($490.8 million).

Xi'an deputy mayor Li Jing said both cities will hold a strong integration for the development of cultural and tourism industries, and huge space for cooperation and marketing.

According to secretary of Qingyang city committee Luan Kejun, Qingyang was first in China's history to introduce an agricultural culture. This left many valuable historical sites and the essence of folk culture in Qingyang.

"Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, a trade and cultural exchange channel launched more than 2,000 years ago linking China, Central Asia and Europe, is a world famous tourism destination and has a special role in the One Belt One Road initiative. Cooperation between the two cities will provide more opportunities to further develop its own cultural and tourism industries," the Party secretary said.