The best of the west

A total of 17 government departments, including the National Development and Reform Commission, jointly launched a three-year action plan and guidance on improving rural tourism infrastructure, service and financing, as well as boosting sustainable rural tourism development.

The goal is to highlight elements of agriculture and scenery and help rural residents to increase income.

The strategy has been a shot in the arm for rural tourism development.

The country's rural tourism income hit 770 billion yuan ($119.6 billion) in the first half of last year, accounting for 31.4 percent of the domestic tourism revenue, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism reports.

Travelers made nearly 1.4 billion visits to rural areas, representing 48.6 percent of total domestic tourism.

Gaode Map hopes its service will entice more travelers to the west and help tourism resources in poor regions turn into economic growth, according to Liu Zhenfei, president of the mapping company.

Liu says he hopes the company will help drive its users to underdeveloped areas with rich culture and tourism resources and help realize the sustainable development of rural tourism.