Jincheng poised to become model city for tourism

Party chief outlines plan for developing the scenic area in Shanxi province

Blessed with an array of historical and cultural treasures and a pristine natural environment, Jincheng in Shanxi province is poised to become a model city for cultural tourism and health, the city's top official said.

"Cultural tourism and health preservation represent a new frontier of consumption and a key driver of growth," said Wang Zhen, Party secretary of Jincheng, adding that the city is on the brink of a remarkable transformation, with vast opportunities and tremendous potential.

The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, with 40 nationally acclaimed historical and cultural towns and villages, putting it at the forefront of cultural development nationwide and laying a solid foundation for tourism growth. For example, it has 186 traditional ancient villages, the most in Shanxi and the fifth-most in China. In addition, the Qinhe River basin houses 117 ancient mansions and 150,000 dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).