The second China Xi'an Silk Road International Tourism Expo takes place from Sept 11-13 in the capital of Shaanxi province.

With the theme "Open the new Silk Road to explore new opportunities for tourism industry", the expo, launched last year, is expected to attract some 500 tourism agencies from 24 provinces, municipalities and regions and 33 countries, according to Yang Zhongwu, director of Shaanxi provincial tourism administration bureau, an event sponsor.

"The expo provides 60,000 square meters for domestic and foreign tourism management and service agencies, scenic spots, hotels and travel goods companies to display their products," Yang said.

It is expected that more than 3,000 businessmen and 40,000 members of the public will visit, according to Liao Junsheng, chairman of the Singapore Conference & Exhibition Management Services Company Ltd, co-sponsor of the expo.

Yin Weimin, deputy director of the bureau's international tourism promotion office, said the event has four themed display zones including an international exhibition promoting tourism products and routes in countries along the ancient Silk Road.

"Other display zones feature a domestic exhibition, Shaanxi exhibition and consumer exhibition," Yin said.

Sponsors will hold promotional activities including a summit, tourism market seminar, cultural performances and tourism training activities as well as tourism project promotions and cooperative project signing ceremonies to further promote business, Yin said.

"My bureau will build the expo as an international tourism cooperation platform to create more opportunities for tourism cooperation and the development of countries along the Silk Road and the tourism business of people all over the world," Yang said.