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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

China showcases its tourism potential

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Chinese tourism promoters made quite an impact at the ongoing Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart -2008 here on Thursday by showcasing some of their unique destinations, including the ‘Three Gorges Dam Project and Yangtze River Cruise’ and Hangzhou, venue of PATA Mart-2009.

Yangtze River, the longest river in China and the third longest in the world, regarded as the cradle of both ancient and modern Chinese culture, is also the conduit to another natural marvel, Mighty Three Gorges — Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge.

Though Yangtze River cruise attracts 3,00,000 overseas tourists, Indian visitors constitute only a minor percentage at present, admits vice president, Chongquing New Century Cruises, Ye Hua. “But India is an emerging new market for Yangtze” he said adding with a smile, “We are aware that we need to find a very good chef first to attract more Indian tourists on this luxury cruise.”

He said the cruise would offer one an incredible mix of colourful culture, different lifestyles and breath-taking landscapes with an a la carte restaurant to take care of Indian palate and features to make one relax and enjoy.

Along the river that connects West with East China, lie four great cities, Chongquing, Wuhan, Nanjing and Shanghai and several shore excursions, Three Gorges Water Dam site, Yellow Mountain among others that form part of cruise offered on an average of U.S. $300 for a five-day package.

Quality service

Charlie Chen of China Travel Service, Zhegiang province, said the turnaround in the tourism sector came with development of infrastructure, hotels, quality service besides growing command of Chinese over English language.

“The pace of development is faster in China unlike in a democracy where things could get slower,” he added.

Diverse attractions

Another destination, Hangzhou, is described as the ‘City of Happiness. The city had diverse attractions offering beautiful landscapes, famous West Lake and cultural shows.

The city, voted as the best tourism city of China, is famous for its silk, electronics, tea, shopping, fashion and traditional medicine streets.

Another attraction, Chengdu, home town of Giant Pandas, is a city with well preserved heritage and traditions having served as capital city of seven dynasties in its history and is yet modern, says Yu Yong of Chengdu Culture and Tourism Development Group.

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