Roundup

TOURISM BOOM

Central China's Hubei province, once hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, has received more than 53 million visitors since a tourism promotion event launched on Aug 8. The province decided to open its key scenic spots to visitors from across the country free of charge until the end of this year, a token of gratitude for the nationwide assistance it received during the outbreak. By mid-November, 1,048 Hubei-based travel agencies had resumed business, accounting for 88.29 percent of the sector.

CULTURAL FEAST

An international culture week focusing on brocade and embroidery works took place in Haikou, capital of South China's Hainan province, last week. The four-day event, which ended on Nov 22, featured activities including exhibitions, light and fashion shows in Haikou, Sanya, Baoting Li and Miao autonomous county. Brocade and embroidery works from various countries as well as from the local Li ethnic group were displayed. The event presented different traditional cultures, according to the provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports.

CULINARY DELIGHT

InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun is offering a new dinner menu at its award-winning Char restaurant. It includes Australian Wagyu beef and pan-fried Canadian scallop paired with Swiss malt whiskies, as well as selected desserts. The four-course dinner is priced at 688 yuan ($100) per person, but is discounted every Wednesday.

MEGA CRUISE

Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri said work has begun on the company's first luxury "mega" cruise ship built in conjunction with Chinese partners. To be used in the Chinese market, the ship is scheduled for completion in 2023. When it sets sail, the ship will have space for some 4,250 passengers and 1,400 crew members. Fincantieri, the largest shipbuilder in Europe, has partnered with the China State Shipbuilding Corp for the project. Once completed, the ship will be operated by Carnival Corp, also in conjunction with CSSC.

Xinhua - China Daily