The first China Dunhuang International Cultural, Tourism Festival opened Tuesday night in northwest China's Gansu Province, attracting more attention to the travel site on the ancient Silk Road.

More than 1,100 visitors from both at home and abroad will participate in the three-day festival, during which various tourism activities, exhibitions and trade talks will be held.

The Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, included on the World Heritage Protection List, drew over 600,000 visitors last year, earning an income of 220 million yuan.

Over the past few years, the city, home to over 240 historical relic sites, has continued to tap into its rich natural and cultural tourism resources and promote the further development of its tourism industry.

A high-quality airport, highways, hospitals and other facilities have been built, and the investment environment has been improved to attract more visitors and business investment.

(Xinhua News Agency 08/29/2001)