Two buses carrying 40 residents of Luohu toured the district on June 5. This is the first one-day tour project launched by a district government in Shenzhen.

Two buses carrying 40 residents of Luohu toured the district on June 5. The route of the one-day tour took them past all the landmark buildings and complexes of Luohu, such as Diwang Mansion, East Gate Commercial Street and the Xianhu Botanic Park. This is the first one-day tour project launched by a district government in Shenzhen.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. In recognition of this, the district government launched the project to further promote Luohu's influence, and boost its tourism development.

The activity was organized by the Luohu culture, radio, television, tourism and sports bureau, which held a commencement ceremony at Xinxing Square of Diwang Mansion on the morning of June 5.

Many companies in retail, catering and tourism industry are taking part in the activity. It costs 80 yuan ($11.29) for each participant, with professional tour guides introducing the district’s history and celebrated views along the way.

As the tourism industry has been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary for the government to take concrete actions to revive the industry, according to Chen Longxing, deputy head of the Luohu government.

He hoped the activity would help advance the integration of culture, tourism and commerce in Luohu, and consolidate the enthusiasm and belief of those engaged in the tourism industry in the future of Luohu.

"I sincerely wish more residents and tourists can come to experience the Stroll in Luohu one-day tour, to review the history of reform and opening-up of the district, and to appreciate its new charms as a robust economic engine with half of its area covered by water and mountains", said Chen.

Cheng Yang, general manager of China International Travel Service Shenzhen Company, commented: "Luohu has set a good example in exploring local tourism resources, and taking the lead to boost the confidence of the tourism industry".

Luohu not only has rich tourism resources, but also a strong tourism industry. There are more than 440 travel agencies in the district, accounting for about half of the city total.

According to Chen Hui, chair of the Luohu Tourism Industry Association, it took more than two months to settle the route so as to ensure participants see as many landmark sites of Luohu as possible within a limited time.

Chen said the route might be adjusted and enriched in light of the tourists' practical needs, as more customized services in parent-child travel, consumption travel, gourmet travel, mountain and water travel will be added over time.

Wan Fei, one of the first batch of people taking part in the travel and a resident of Luohu, said: "I am lucky to experience it. Although I have visited these places, the feeling is special when they are packaged together in such a one-day tour that contains the essence of Luohu. It is indeed a meaningful experience."

The Luohu government said the project will become a permanent one.