A number of sports fans are headed to Laiwu in east China's Shandong province this week for the city's annual aeronautics festival.

"The local government is committed to making Laiwu the nation's air sports capital," said Mayor Ma Pingchang.

The city held the national paraglider and paramotor masters tournaments in 2007 and 2008. It is now the permanent host of the annual aeronautics festival, as ruled by the State General Administration of Sports this year.

During last year's event, athletes from 16 countries including France, the United States, Belgium and Britain attracted more than 200,000 spectators.

"The air sports festival lures large numbers of tourists and brings international attention to our city," said Zhang Zuoping, Laiwu deputy mayor.

Activities are held at the Xueye lake scenic area. Nearby is the 450 million yuan aviation technology sports park, home to an airfield, training center and leisure areas.

"China's aero sports industry is attracting more and more people. The construction of Laiwu air sports base will contribute greatly to its development," said Feng Jianzhong, vice-director of the State General Administration of Sports.

Unlimited possibilities

"The holding of the air sports festival brings unlimited business opportunities to Laiwu," Mayor Ma said.

In the past two years, aero sports have brought hotels and tourist resorts to the area, along with a Wenchang culture garden, yacht club and modern agriculture technology park.

Several well-known international enterprises such as Evergrand Group, Shandong Hi-speed Group and Joy International have settled in Laiwu.

Tourists to Xueye Lake have increased 30 percent in the past nine months, prompting plans to construct a one-sq-km tourist town and a 3-sq-km eco-orchard.

A 12-sq-km industrial valley will be built on the lake's north shore. It is set to be a center for the research, development and production of aircrafts and relevant products.

Laiwu is scheduled to hold the Asia and Oceania model airplane championship, China water skiing grand prix and China mountain bicycle games this year.

By Ju Chuanjiang and Wang Qian (China Daily Shandong Bureau)

(China Daily 09/27/2010 page12)