Rescue & Aid
Rebuild it and they will come
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-20 07:58
 |
Large Medium Small |
XINING - Though Yushu prefecture now lies in ruins and sorrow, it's future may include rebuilding itself into an ecological tourism city.
Sixteen experts from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Qinghai provincial housing bureau are carrying out a geological survey in preparation for the reconstruction.
The team is expected to submit an appraisal of the quake's devastation to the ministry by April 26, said an unnamed spokesman with the provincial government.
Ma Yong, director of the tourism research department under Hubei University, agreed with the plan.
"Yushu is located in high altitude. The natural environment there is not very suitable to developing heavy industry. However, its natural resources and distinct culture are valuable to developing the tourism industry," Ma said.
Yushu is home to the headwaters of China's three major rivers - the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Lancangjiang River. Attracted by its beautiful natural scenery and splendid Tibetan culture, an increasing number of tourists head to the prefecture every year.
In 2009, Yushu received 125,000 tourists from home and abroad, a 39-percent increase year-on-year. Income from tourism reached 65 million yuan ($9.5 million) while the prefecture's GDP last year was about 1 billion yuan.
"My suggestion for the rebuilding project is that local authorities should make a tourism industry plan with high standards. Full consideration should be given to the protection of the local environment and culture when designing architecture and tourist sites," Ma said.
"Besides, I think Yushu can keep some of the ruins for local people and tourists to commemorate the disastrous earthquake and the victims," he added.
Earlier reports said authorities would study a geological report to decide whether to rebuild Gyegu, the seat of the Yushu prefecture government, in a new location or rebuild on the ruins, said Zou Ming, director of the disaster relief department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
China Daily - Xinhua
