China National Tourism Administration Ongoing Silk Road Developments

The China National Tourism Administration deemed 2015 the "Year of Silk Road Tourism," with both land and sea routes being developed along the ancient trade route. The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives were launched less than two years ago by President Xi Jinping and continue to be a major focus for the Chinese government.

 At the recent Government Work Report presented by Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing, many foreign diplomats expressed their support of the initiatives, which will connect cities and countries from Asia to Europe along the famous ancient routes. The Silk Road projects will bring tourism, trade and cooperation to the participating areas. Chinese companies have already started developing tourism itineraries along the Silk Road.

 The Beibu Gulf Star, a cruise-container ship, plans to travel from China to various southeastern Asian ports along the original Maritime Silk Road, as sailed by Ming Dynasty-era navigator Zheng He in the 14th century. In northwest China’s Gansu province, an almost 4,000-mile railroad is under development that would connect all 14 cities and prefectures in the province, and ultimately reach as far as Europe. The high-speed railway will provide business, trade, and tourism opportunities along the Silk Road Economic Belt.