Lijiang ethnic villages seek tourism development

A forum for countryside cultural tourism and the development of ethnic villages convened in Lijiang's Naxi autonomous county, Yunnan province, on Aug 26.

The three-day event gathered representatives from 55 ethnic groups across China, experts and companies to discuss the development of Lijiang's tourism industry and exchange ideas for countryside tourism development.

Zhao Lidi, vice mayor of Lijiang, said that Lijiang has taken actions to promote traditional ethnic culture, protecting and developing traditional local villages in recent years.

Zhao also noted that the city's efforts to reform and upgrade cultural tourism have brought it achievements in economy and social development.

The forum discussed new ways to help villages develop cultural tourism, and to further build resources and special ethnic villages.

"The forum has profoundly influenced the county's cultural tourism industry, gathering more ideas for village development," said He Hongwei, head of Lijiang's Naxi autonomous county.

A forum for countryside cultural tourism and ethnic village development convenes in Lijiang's Naxi autonomous county on Aug 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhao Lidi, vice mayor of Lijiang, delivers a speech at the forum in Lijiang’s Naxi autonomous county on Aug 26. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Representatives from 55 ethnic groups across China attend the forum. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Edited by Zachary Dye