A virtual vision of Shanghai lures NY

A visitor watches a promotional video for Shanghai using virtual reality technology, in New York on Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Shanghai launched a tourism campaign in New York City on Tuesday with the debut of a virtual-reality promotional video showcasing spectacular panoramic views of the metropolis.

The campaign was kicked off by a delegation from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, which introduced new tourism products and the city's latest policy updates to a room of travel industry insiders.

The updates include new direct air routes, landmark skyscrapers, the opening of Shanghai Disneyland, 144-hour visa-free entry for transit passengers and the new tax refund policy.

"Shanghai is a city of rich and unique details," said Cheng Meihong, deputy director of the tourism administration. "There is so much to explore in the city, and we encourage tourists from the US to come and experience it firsthand."

The event featured a promotional video powered by virtual reality technology. Starring Shanghai's tourism ambassador, actor Hu Ge, and the rising bel canto band Vocal Force, the video presents Shanghai's charm from multiple aspects.

The US is one of the largest sources of inbound visitors to Shanghai, Cheng said. The city saw more than 636,000 tourists from the United States in 2015, up 0.61 percent from 2014.

As a part of "China-US Tourism Year" programs, Shanghai and New York signed an agreement on July 14 for a two-year tourism partnership.

Under the agreement, both cities will promote each other and provide tailored travel products.

By Xinhua in New York