It was announced at the 2014 Hefei Tourism Working Conference in Anhui province on March 6 that in 2014, tourists to Chaohu Lake can expect to enjoy a large number of new experiences.

The 154-kilometer-long Chaohu Lake Sightseeing Avenue, due for completion by this coming October, will allow people in Hefei not only to be able to drive around the lake for sightseeing, but also attend the international marathon.

The Hefei Tourism Bureau and the Hefei Sports Bureau are still going through the bidding process, but have basically earned the approval of the General Administration of Sport of China. Once approved, the contest will take place during this year’s National Day holiday.

Once the Avenue is open, 50 round-the-lake tour buses will be introduced. A market-led operation under governmental guidance will be adopted and 50 million yuan ($8.16 million) will be invested, with various bus routes introduced.

The first phase of the Niujiao Embankment was opened on October 1, 2013 and received a warm welcome from the tourists for its fabulous scenery. The eagerly awaited second phase is planned to be open by May 1, 2014. Numerous spring flowers, such as cherry blossoms and begonias will be found and a “North-American Ranch” will also be open.

At the beginning of 2014, seven tourist attractions in Hefei were chosen for the first smart scenic spot trail. Up to now, the work has been in full swing. In addition to full Wi-Fi coverage, these spots are also working on Apps and QR codes to better facilitate tourism services. Tangchi is forming a brand new travel pattern with the Valley of Zen Tea, the Valley of a Hundred Flowers and the Valley of Lovesickness.

The Guoxuan Hot Spring Palace of Lujiang county is planned to be open in the first half of 2014. New travel routes focusing on the palace will be introduced. At the same time, Tangchi is applying for national tourism resort status and a 5A-level scenic spot.