China to list more key villages to promote rural tourism

BEIJING — China will list more key villages across the country to promote rural tourism, according to a circular jointly issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Development and Reform Commission.

The villages to be listed should be rich in culture and tourism resources, boast sound protection of rural culture, and have accommodation options that can meet tourists' needs, according to the circular.

Other standards include having a mature and high-quality system of tourist products, complete infrastructure and public services, and the capacity to help boost the local economy and employment with tourism.

Local authorities are urged to submit lists of recommendations and application forms to the ministry before June 1.

In 2019, the two departments released the first list of 320 key villages.