A group of caravans are traveling in convoy from Beijing to Nanyang in Henan province as part of an event to promote tourism and raise attention to the importance of water conservation.

The event is co-sponsored by Beijing Tourism Development Commission, Beijing south-north water diversion project office and Nanyang government. The Beijing Tourism Industry Association’s auto-camping branch helped organize the trip.

The tour will cover 1,000 kilometers in five days and participants can enjoy a variety of scenic spots along the route. The event also aims to draw attention to water conservation and the importance of the water diversion project.

"The tour aims to strengthen relations between Beijing and Nanyang," said an official with the Beijing tourism commission. "In addition to introducing special tourism resources along the route of the south-north water diversion project, the tour will boost auto-camping culture and help to develop self-drive routes between Beijing and Nanyang."

Caravaning has become increasing popular in recent years. It has become a growing sector of the tourism industry. The Beijing tourism commission has paid special attention to and supported the development of caravaning and camping.

Nearly 30 camping sites have been established in Beijing. One hundred more will be planned and built in the next couple of years, officials said.

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