A conference on the promotion of cultural and tourism resources across Zhejiang during the summer is launched in the Southern Taihu Lake New District of Huzhou on July 22. [Photo/Zhejiang provincial department of culture and tourism]

A conference on promoting cultural and tourism attractions across Zhejiang during the summer was launched in the Southern Taihu Lake New District of Huzhou on July 22. 

More than 200 people, including government officials, association representatives, and entrepreneurs in the province's culture and tourism sectors participated in the conference. 

The event is an effort by local authorities to woo tourists who originally planned to travel overseas to visit Zhejiang instead to help accelerate the recovery of the province;s culture and tourism industries, which were hit hard by the COVID-19 epidemic.

Chu Ziyu, director of the Zhejiang provincial department of culture and tourism, said that tourists to Zhejiang will enjoy a safe environment, high-quality cultural and tourism products, and expedient services.

Zhejiang has revised its guidelines for the reopening of nine cultural and tourist sites and activities and has introduced insurance products to guarantee the safety of tourists during their stay in the province.

Eight types of travel routes have also been launched, covering all cities throughout the province. In addition, visitors to the province can have a "smart tourism" experience, which will allow them to enter scenic spots within 20 seconds and check into hotels within 30 seconds, according to Chu.

More than 20 summer family tour routes were unveiled at the conference, some of which involve interactions with local artisans, who will teach children to make various types of handicrafts. Children who show some skill will have their works displayed at an exhibition at the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City.

The host city, Huzhou, has seen a rapid recovery in its culture and tourism sectors. The city and all its affiliated counties have recently been included in a pilot program launched by the provincial government to spur cultural and tourism consumption.