Region to mix history, culture to create momentum

In order to further stimulate the development of culture and tourism in Sichuan, the province has carried out a series of other activities such as the selection of Characteristic Towns, the 2019 Golden Panda Award, and the selection of outstanding leading enterprises in the culture and tourism industry.

"In the context of the integration of culture and tourism, the 2019 Golden Panda Award was the first to expand from the tourism system to the culture and tourism system," said an official at the department. He said the selection of advanced units has expanded from tourist attractions and travel agencies to include public libraries, cultural centers, township comprehensive cultural stations, etc.

Talented local individuals have also gone from being from provincial tourism practitioners to practitioners in art, cultural heritage and public culture.

The main evaluation criteria of Characteristic Towns has also changed from tourism income to innovation, creativity and transformation ability during the integration of culture and tourism, said the official.

In order to cultivate and strengthen the local market, the selection of outstanding leading enterprises in the culture and tourism industry includes nine major categories and 43 middle categories in the cultural field.

In the view of Ren Ding, chairman of the Sichuan Tourism Investment Group, 2019 is a "big year" for the development of cultural tourism in Sichuan province. As a representative of Sichuan's culture and tourism industry, he said the company will strive to play a leading role.