Anhui province has delivered a framework plan for an international tourism project in its southern part to the State Council for approval.

“It is a firm step the province has taken to push forward the project,” said Governor Wang Xuejun.

Wang affirmed the current process of developing the project in his report to the third plenary session of the province’s 12th People’s Congress which was held on February 9, saying that effort would be made to build it into the world’s first-class resort.

The project consists of parts to turn Huangshan into a modern tourism city and Chizhou into an ecological leisure city.

His words were echoed by Hu Xuefan, director of the Anhui Tourism Bureau, who said various elements of culture, ecology and technology will be added to the project.

Hu said work will be done this year to make breakthroughs in developing infrastructure facilities, establishing coordination mechanisms and working out policies.

“We will join hands with other government departments concerning culture, science and technology, agriculture and water resources to find out available resources,” said Hu.

“We plan to launch some integrated programs to push forward the project as well,” he added.

The director said that the project development should pay attention to carrying forward cultural elements, an attraction to tourists.

“Tourist souvenirs should embody the spirit of the inheritance and preservation of the intangible cultural heritage if they want to cater to tourists’ satisfaction,” he said.

“The project will focus on the culture and ecology, trying to turn it into one of China’s cultural tourism demonstration areas,” Hu said.

The province plans to invest 4 billion yuan ($667 million) in the Ancient Huizhou Culture and Art Gallery to develop it into a 5A scenic spot, which is a key part of the project.

Meanwhile, the provincial government will take measures to develop its hotel industry and improve its service, said Hu.

“We also plan to open new air services from Anhui to Frankfurt in Germany and Los Angeles in the United States, and add more flights to the air routes to Hong Kong, Macao and Singapore,” he said.