Industrial tourism officials will welcome some of Shanghai's best-known stores and factories onto their itineraries this year.

The latest attractions for tourists to the city will include Laofengxiang Jewelry Store and Shanghai Jade Carving Factory.

At more than 150 years old Laofengxiang is the oldest jewelry store in the city and the jade carving plant is one of the most recognized jade and ivory dealers in Asia.

Both have set up showrooms on Caoxi Road in Xuhui District, demonstrating how the stones and ivory are polished and set in jewelry and informing visitors on how to distinguish genuine jewelry from fakes. The showrooms also have boutique shops open daily to the public.

Entrance to the Laofengxiang showroom is at No. 260 Caoxi Road, while the Jade Carving Factory showroom is at No. 272 Caoxi Road.

"We are now in the final stages, and will launch a light industry tour route by the end of this year," said Zhao Limin, spokesperson of the Shanghai Industrial Tourism Promotion Center.

The White Rabbit Creamy Candy Factory under Shanghai Guanshengyuan Food will also appear on the tour.

White Rabbit, the best-known candies in the country, started operating in 1943. It is the only Chinese candy that has been significantly marketed overseas.

The manufacturer has opened its candy wrapping plant to the public. The factory is located at 1418 Xinzha Road in Huangpu District.

Future plans for the city's light industry tourism include the Shanghai Shenxian Baijiu Corporation.

Shanghai Shenxian is a 48-year-old distillery in Fengxian District that also began its involvement in industrial tourism this year.

Shenxian's baijiu, a clear distilled liquor, is well-known for its pure, rich aroma. Visitors to the distillery can see how the liquor is distilled.

The visitors section will open this September, Zhao said.

"The local industrial tourism is making its progress," said Zhao. "One might point out that some sections opened are not that attractive to tourists, but trust me we are doing everything we can to build up more highlights."

(Shanghai Daily June 16, 2006)