Northwest set to push Silk Road links

China's northwest regions are planning to invest more in infrastructure, tourism and tourism-related industries to attract more visitors to the ancient Silk Road that linked China with central Asian nations.

Shaanxi province, whose capital, Xi'an, was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, has launched a tourism investment fund of 5 billion yuan ($804 million).

"Thanks to the rising influence of China's western tourism, the tourism industry of Shaanxi province has enjoyed a fast and steady growth in recent years," said Bai Aying, vice-governor of Shaanxi province. "Now Shaanxi province has invested a lot to operate major tourism projects with the theme of Silk Road culture."