The city raked in a record 4.99 billion yuan (about US$601 million) in earnings from tourism, said sources from the tourism administration at Guilin, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

With a history going back more than 2,000 years, Guilin is renowned for its green mountains, clear water and strangely shaped rock formations. The city has also played host to many foreign heads of state, including former United States president Bill Clinton.

In recent years, it has taken great pains to improve conditions for developing tourism. From 1999 to 2002, the city invested over 10 billion yuan (about US$1.21 billion) in building and upgrading 60 major tourism projects, said the sources.

Meanwhile, tourism authorities have also worked hard to protect Guilin's image among tourists. By stepping up joint efforts with the city's industry and commerce bureau they have cracked down on cheating in the tourism sector.

(eastday.com January 9, 2003)