In Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, tourists have been invited to participate in grapeshot-drying and wine-brewing at Grape Valley, which is famous for its milk-flavored grapes.

"Every day, more than 2,000 people visit the valley," Liao Dailian, manager of Xinjiang Great West Tourism Co Ltd, said.

The Beijing Morning Post reported yesterday that on Thursday alone, nearly 800,000 tourists visited scenic spots in Beijing. The one-day ticket income of the Forbidden City stood at a whopping 2.7 million yuan (US$320,000).

In Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Mount Emei, one of the five mountains famed for its Buddhist culture, saw a remarkable upsurge in tourists.

Consulting service stands are located around Mount Emei to aid tourists. Youth volunteers also provide tourists with helpful information and clear garbage around the mountain.

"Mount Emei sets an example in the measures taken to maintain transportation safety and prevent fires," said Gu Chaoxi, the visiting deputy director of China National Tourism Administration.

Many areas are attracting tourists with their natural resources and promoting activities such as mountaineering, fishing and diving.

Thousands of people in North China's Tianjin Municipality have taken part in crab-fishing and wild fruit-picking.

Places of cultural interests are also popular choices among tourists.

Local governments have staged a variety of festivals to incorporate folk arts, local architecture, traditional cuisine and local history into tourism.

According to China Tourism News, Yongding County in East China's Fujian Province has won tourists' favor with its unique circular earth building with a history of more than 1,500 years.

Guangzhou serves up delightful treats and delicacies to tourists across the country.

(People's Daily 10/06/2001)