Themed tour routes to boost tourist industry

More than 100 themed tour routes were released on Friday by authorities following a notice encouraging trade unions in the city to organize trips to boost Shanghai's development of cultural and tourism industries.

The 117 routes related to red tourism, fashion, city life, ecology, history and culture were released by the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism and Shanghai Trade Union.

They include one-day tours of Chen Yun Memorial Hall and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in Qingpu District, a half-day walking tour of the Bund and Fengjing Road night market, a cycling tour at the Pujiang Countryside Park, a city walk on "never-to-be widened" streets like Changle Road and Julu Road, a half-day tour to Shanghai Tower and Binjiang Avenue, a one-day tour to Fengjing watertown and Jinshan City Beach, and a one-day tour to pick grapes in Malu and Jiabei Countryside Park in Jiading District.

Cultural venues and tourist attractions such as the Shanghai Natural History Museum, Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial, Sinan Mansions, Liantang Ancient Town, Duolun Road culture and celebrity street, Shanghai Botanical Garden, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park, Hengsha Island and Dishui Lake are also on the list.

The notice issued on June 8 says that trade unions can cover transport, ticket and activity fees in the tours with a maximum 200 yuan (US$28.27) per employee daily.