Tourists stroll in the former residence of Lu Xun, a famous Chinese writer, in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province on May 2. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

Shaoxing in Zhejiang province recently launched a series of measures to boost its tourism sector, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 epidemic.

Statistics show that 15 scenic spots rated 4A and above in the city opened during the recent May Day holiday, receiving 242,300 visitors from May 1 to 5, and generating tourism revenue of 39.39 million yuan ($5.55 million).

The city required reservations in advance and insisted on 'time-phased' tours for all of its A-rated scenic spots during the holiday. The daily maximum visitor capacity of each spot was 30 percent of its usual capacity. All 40 indoor spots in the city remained closed.

Many scenic spots have started to innovate their business by organizing various activities to promote local culture and attract more tourists.

The city has also been focusing on major projects to drive its tourism development.

"Projects are an important driver behind the transformation and upgrading of cultural and tourism industries," said Sheng Yuechun, mayor of Shaoxing.

"We will conduct 124 projects worth a total of more than 120 billion yuan this year," added He Junjie, deputy director of the city's publicity department.

An amusement park project worth 120 million yuan began construction on March 10 in Xinchang county, which, according to the project manager, is expected to receive 200,000 visitors a year and generate an annual revenue of 50 million yuan.

The park will also provide nearly 100 jobs and boost local homestay and restaurant businesses, said Gao Xuejun, director of the county's tourism bureau. 

Shaoxing announced in mid-February that it would spend 35 million yuan helping tourism companies, and the Bank of Communications gave 30 billion yuan of credit to them on March 25.

The city has also integrated tourism resources in different areas by building cultural belts and museums, and integrated tourism with culture, sports, education, and healthcare.

Tourists walk at a scenic spot in Xinchang county, Shaoxing, Zhejiang province during the May Day holiday. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]