The Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province has reopened to international tourists, almost one month after the Lhasa riot, an official said on Saturday.

Cering Norbu, deputy secretary general of the prefecture government, said Diqing, famous for the legendary resort of Shangri-la, reopened to foreign tourists on Thursday.

Authorities have suggested travel agencies not to arrange trips to Diqing after the March 14 riot in Lhasa, capital of the neighboring Tibet Autonomous Region.

Diqing was a safe and charming destination for tourists, Cering Norbu said.

The prefecture received 3.8 million tourists last year, including 400,000 from foreign countries.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2008)