This year, the city of Changchun's annual forum on summer tourism, held from June 24 to 26, has several themes: the modern leisurely city, countryside tourism, and festive activities.

The city is inviting scholars, industry experts and tourist agents from around the world to take part. To attract more attention, the forum will also include exhibits, outdoors art performances, and a local handicrafts show.

A promotion campaign will begin the afternoon of June 25 in the city's Culture Square, with around 150 booths to allow travel agencies from all over the world to announce their programs so the locals do not have to leave the city to learn about other places, according to the organizers.

There will be an added attraction that same evening, on the same square, running until midnight. Various hip-hops, folk dance, and other artists will perform up on a stage, and there will be sand painting and other shows.

These will be followed by movies shown on a large outdoor screen.

The countryside tourism section is making its first appearance as a part of the Summer Relaxation Festival, beside the forum, promotion campaign and art performances. The government is trying to encourage the locals to get out of the urban area and experience a bit of rural life - which will of course bring more funds to the tourism sector.

Another first will be the lantern show hosted by the city government and Taiwanese organizations to be held in Nanhu Park.

The idea, according to the organizers, is to promote culture and tourism exchanges with Taiwan.

"And it complements the city's summer tourist products."

The city government has around 30 projects planned for the next few years to improve its tourism infrastructure.

(China Daily 06/01/2011 page14)