By Yuling Chen, EDITOR

The Yangtze River is China's mother river, and it is a must to protect it. And along with it, efforts to protect and develop the Three Gorges are part of it.

Three Gorges

What efforts should be made in ecological protection and infrastructure improvement to make tourism an important way of economic growth concerning the Three Gorges tourism? Here are the answers of Liu Qi, Member of the National Committee of CPPCC, and Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development.

Liu Qi, Member of the National Committee of CPPCC, and Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development

A culture ecological protection zone

Reporter: In recent years, as a tourist attraction, the Three Gorges has been popular again. How should we make full use of the ecological and cultural resources of the Three Gorges Basin to develop tourism?

Liu Qi: We will promote high-quality economic development through the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. On the one hand, we will make the restoration of ecological environment a top priority on our agenda. Meanwhile, we will make all-out efforts to protect the environment, and forbid large-scale development of the river. On the other hand, we shall well balance the relationship between eco-environmental protection and economic growth. Thus, we shall explore a new path of green development with a priority on ecology.

Known as the “Mother River of China”, Yangtze River is an important cradle of Chinese civilization. And it enjoys abundant resources in culture and tourism resources. Therefore, we suggest that the protection of the culture and ecology of the Yangtze River Basin should be regarded as an important part of the overall eco-environmental protection. Moreover, we will support the construction of a culture ecological protection zone in the Three Gorges (Chongqing) of the Yangtze River Basin. We will strengthen the protection and utilization of historical and cultural tourism resources in the Yangtze River Basin. We will actively explore ways to turn “lucid waters and lush mountains” to “invaluable assets” and promote “old-new energy” conversion. Thus, we can realize the coordinated development of the construction of local ecological civilization, poverty alleviation and rural revitalization.

In terms of excellent traditions and Bayu culture

Liu Qi: It helps to promote the advance of China Western Development. Chongqing takes an important ecological location in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Moreover, the construction of the culture ecological protection zone in the Three Gorges Basin of the Yangtze River plays an important role in inheriting the excellent traditions and activating cultural creativity of Bayu culture. It is of great significance in providing more quality ecological products for the people, keeping up with people’s ever-growing needs for a better environment. Moreover, it is very important to promote the comprehensive, coordinated, sustainable development of economic, political, cultural, social and ecological civilization progress.

Liu Qi: It is beneficial to promote the in-depth development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The construction of the culture ecological protection zone forms a comprehensive, systematic development model of overall inheritance and protection. It integrates the protection of natural ecology, cultural ecology, and social ecology. On the basis of the protection and inheritance of traditional culture, it emphasizes the excavation of regional excellent culture and the enhancement of the value of cultural resources, thus achieving creative transformation and innovative development. It provides a powerful platform for green development and rural revitalization. Meanwhile, it facilitates the integrated development of the primary industry, secondary industry, and tertiary industry in rural areas. It guides people to find jobs and start businesses. Furthermore, it boosts the construction of a modern agricultural industrial system, production system, and management system.

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