Shaanxi Province, famous for its historical and cultural relics, is planning to boost ecological and leisure tourism in its bio-diverse Qinling Mountains. Deputy Director of the Provincial Tourism Bureau Xu Mingzheng spoke to China.org.cn in an interview at this year's national parliament session.

"Promoting eco-tourism in the Qinling Mountains is an important part of the strategic development in the southern region," said Xu.

The tourism revenue of three cities in the southern region - Shangluo, Hanzhong and Ankang - enjoyed an average of 40 percent growth last year. In addition to traditional sightseeing programs, cities like Xi'an, Baoji and Weinan have developed their ecological and leisure tourism in full swing. The Qinling Mountains serve as a natural boundary between north and south China and are the watershed of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. They are home to a large number of rare plants and wildlife, including giant pandas. Many famous scenic spots, such as Huashan Mountain, Jinsi Grand Canyon and Taibai Mountain are located in the central area of the mountain range.

"The Qinling Mountains also host a diversity of cultures and religions, which makes it different from other eco-tourism destinations in China," said Xu.

Highways linking Xi'an, Shangluo, Hanzhong and Ankang in the area have recently opened to traffic, shortening the travel time by half. The provincial government is also working on other transportation methods, including air, water and rail. In 2014, a high-speed railway between Xi'an and Chengdu, the two famous tourist destinations in western China, will help to cut the travel time from the current 13 hours to less than 3 hours.

Xu added, "The Qinling Mountain area is a resort for Shaanxi natives. It is ready to become a resort for all Chinese people."