Bid to draw tourists to see Lingang area

A number of smart manufacturing enterprises in Lingang, a special area of Shanghai free trade zone, will launch factory tours amid the port town’s ambition to become a major tourist destination.

And construction of the Shanghai Planetarium, the world’s largest, and the world’s largest indoor ice and snow tourism project — Ice and Snow World — are proceeding smoothly, officials said.

The Lingang Special Area Administrative Committee yesterday issued the first license for a travel agency, underlining the government’s strong support to develop its “tourism plus” strategy in an attempt to create “a world class leisure and travel resort,” according to Hu Zhiqiang, a member of the committee.

Future seaside, amusement park, popular science, fashion, night, factory and health tours will turn tourism a new engine to local economy for the developing area, according to Hu.

In line with a master plan unveiled yesterday, Lingang will make Dishui Lake and its surrounding areas a cluster of urban tourism.

And it will create a smart fishermen’s wharf at Luchao Harbor, featuring seafood eateries and yachting clubs.