Zhong Mian, director of the provincial tourism bureau, said that the province will develop a series of programs featuring three famous tourism attractions: the giant panda habitat, the scenic Jiuzhaigou resort and the Sanxingdui relics site.

The beautiful landscapes and well-protected forests at the Jiuzhaigou have long been tourist destinations for domestic and overseas visitors. About 80 percent of all giant pandas live in Sichuan, China's largest breeding and research zone on the ancient animal species.

Sanxingdui, in Guanghan County, 40 km from provincial capital Chengdu, is receiving more and more attention since it was found 70 years ago. The site, covering an area of 12 sq. km, dates back to 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.

(People's Daily November 11, 2000)