A big flower garden will soon emerge in China's "Shangri-La", a legendary picturesque tourist attraction located in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in southwest China's Yunnan province.

The prefectural government expects the flower garden to be Asia's largest bulb production center, covering 200 hectares, as well as an attractive scenic spot. Among the flowers to be grown here will be such popular species as tulips, lilies and crocuses.

Total investment in the garden is estimated at 80.35 million yuan (US$ 9.68 million). The prefecture hopes overseas investors will participate.

The local government has been investing heavily to promote " Shangri-La" as a tourist attraction. Over one million tourists visit this place every year, including many from abroad.

( February 3, 2002)