Jinzhou develops themed itineraries to boost tourism

The unique style has spread throughout the country and to such international destinations as Los Angeles, Vancouver and Melbourne, tourism authorities say.

The city's tourism has been developing rapidly.

Over 5,000 visitors attended an international antiques festival in April, including collectors from the United States, Sweden and Japan.

It featured antiques from home and abroad, and items from the revolution the Communist Party of China led from 1921 to '49.

It drew visitors last winter with temple fairs, dragon dances, hot springs and sports.

Jinzhou received 3.1 million visits during the Spring Festival holiday from Feb 15 to 21, generating over 1.14 billion yuan ($180 million) in tourism income, the local tourism authority reports.

Many travel to surrounding areas to enjoy the countryside.

The city's Nianpangou village has attracted flocks of travelers since January.

"We've recently got lots of tourists and serve five or six tables during meal rushes," says Gao Yuxia, who runs a private family-style eatery.

Nianpangou's location west of Yiwulyu Mountain affords such outdoor activities as hiking and rock climbing.

Tourism authorities have teamed up with major tourism agencies.

And they've launched a program in which visitors can share their experiences on the tourism bureau's WeChat account and win gifts.

It seems the routes offer new material for them to post.

New ways to discover Jinzhou

History
Beizhen Temple-Yiwulyu Mountain-Chongxing Temple-Guangsheng Temple-Caves at Ten Thousand Buddha Hall-Yizhou Fossil Museum.

Visitors can see 140-million-year old fossils, and Liao Dynasty (916-1125) royal temples and towers.

Coastal
Bijiashan Island-Baisha (White Sand) Bay-World Expo-Jinzhou Bay-Dayou wetlands.

Ocean views and cool summer weather.

Health
Dachaoyang-Qingyan Temple-Baolinlou-Laoyeling-Dashihu.

Mountains, forests and caves bring visitors close to nature.

Leisure
Beiputuo Mountain-Jinling Reservoir-Guta Park-Antiques City-Jinzhou cultural heritage base and downtown night market.

Local cultural experiences, featuring gourmet food and such folk art as paper-cutting tiger motifs.