Benefiting from the ongoing Shanghai World Expo, the metropolis's Songjiang district is projected to see strong growth in tourism this year.

Li Wenzhong, director of the Commerce and Tourism Commission of Songjiang, predicted that the district will receive more than 7 million travelers this year that will generate about 4 billion yuan in revenue.

In 2009, 5.36 million tourists visited Songjiang, an increase of nearly 84 percent from 2005 - an average growth of about 16.4 percent each year.

Tourism revenue hit 3.28 billion yuan last year, an increase of 119 percent over 2005, for an annual rate surpassing 21 percent.

Songjiang is regarded as the historical and cultural source of Shanghai, long viewed as a prime destination for sightseeing and relaxation.

In addition to its many sites representing the millennium-long history of Shanghai, the district is home to a number of new attractions including Sheshan National Forest Park, Happy Valley Amusement Park, Chenshan Botanical Garden and Thames Town in Songjiang's new urban area.

All the sites are now often on the Expo itinerary of tourists to and from Shanghai.

A range of facilities including hotels, exhibition and conference halls, sports venues and shopping malls have also been built to meet the demands of various groups of tourists.

Li said the local tourism authority has mapped out a new plan for the industry's development over the next five years.

According to the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15) for Tourism Development, more investment in facilities and services will make Songjiang an important sightseeing and relaxation destination in the Yangtze River Delta.

The blueprint calls for Songjiang to highlight both "modern and ancient" elements in its tourism development.

The northern part of Songjiang, including the Sheshan National Tourism Resort and Songjiang new urban area, will focus on recreation, entertainment, sports, shopping and conferences and events.

The southern part of the district, home to the old urban area of Songjiang and the sprawling countryside, will be built into an attractive sightseeing destination for visitors who want to experience the "roots of Shanghai" and relax in a rustic way of life.

Li predicted that by 2015, Songjiang is expected to receive 12.6 million travelers and earn a tourism revenue of 9.5 billion yuan.

(China Daily 07/16/2010 page43)