Jiangxi highlights geological tourism

By Diao Shujun ( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2012-08-10

Geological tourism has become a new hotspot in the tourism industry of Jiangxi province in addition to Red tourism, according to a research report on geological tourism resources released at an assessment meeting held on Aug 1. Zhu Hong, vice governor of Jiangxi province, attended the meeting.

Zhu said Jiangxi has great potential in tourism development because of its rich natural, cultural and geological tourism resources. The exploitation of geological tourism resources can significantly improve the development of the tourism industry in the province. Zhu also emphasized the balance between tourism development and resource protection.

Jiangxi boasts abundant geological resources and has over 2,400 scenic spots, including natural and cultural heritage sites, world geoparks, and national parks. The rapid development of geological tourism will help make tourism a pillar industry in Jiangxi's economy in three to five years, said the director of the Jiangxi Geology and Mineral Bureau.

There are currently 119 geothermal areas and 91 hot springs in Jiangxi. The number of hot springs in the province ranks seventh across the nation.

Edited by Zhao Qian and Michael Thai