Culture is the lifeblood of a nation. How can Chongqing's cultural tourism departments realize high-quality development in culture and tourism, under the leadership of the guiding principles from the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee? Liu Qi, Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, answered the questions.

Liu Qi, Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development

"The fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee spotlighted the cultural construction, clarifying relevant goals and requirements of the 14th Five-Year Plan and putting forward the vision of building China into a cultural powerhouse. This offers a scientific guideline and basic principle for Chongqing to develop the cultural tourism industry." Liu Qi said, "During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the cultural tourism departments of Chongqing will stimulate cultural prosperity and upgrade the tourism industry, to grow itself into a cultural power and a world-renowned tourist destination."

View from the hotel, a skyline of the urban city

Liu Qi also noted: "We will strive to build Chongqing into a city with thriving cultures and arts, unique urban charms, rich products, and industrial modes, distinctive brand images, fully-fledged services, safe and friendly environments, and energetic market entities."

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Chongqing plans to make the Three Gorges, its reputation as the Mountain City, cultures, hot springs, and rural scenery play their roles. Specifically, it is expected to build an array of influential scenic spots and resorts, a cluster of municipal- and state-level resorts, national 5A-level tourist attractions, and national all-for-one tourism demonstration areas, as well as a batch of large cultural tourism complexes.

Cruises of the Three Gorges

Also, Chongqing is about to deepen regional cooperation. For example, it will work with Sichuan Province to develop the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor and power the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle construction.

"If the culture is booming, then the country is prosperous; if the culture is influential, then the nation is confident. Culture is a vital pivot to drive high-quality development and a kind of essential leverage to satisfy the people's ever-growing needs for a better life." Liu Qi said that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Chongqing would further highlight the role of cultural construction.