The time that people take away from work indicates the wealth of a nation, according to Li Yiping, professor from University of Hong Kong. More and more Chinese are now having vacations with the fast growing Chinese economy.

Sightseeing packages organized by travel agencies have been dominating the domestic tourism market for the past 10 years, said Wang Zhigang, a city planning expert.

This trend reaches its prime time when the per capita annual GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ranges between US$300 and US$900.

When the figure rises to US$900-US$3,000, and the Engel index is around 40 percent, people have entered a fairly wealthy society where more people prefer to stay longer at resorts.

Sanya in Hainan and Zhuhai in Guangdong are the most favored cities for relaxation.

Unlike other Chinese cities such as Chengdu in Sichuan and Hangzhou in Zhejiang, also famous for their leisurely lifestyle, Zhuhai is more modern and Westernized, said Bao Jigang, a Zhongshan University professor commissioned as city planner for the Zhuhai Municipal Government.

"You can expect a Beijinger to arrive at Zhuhai with his tennis racket, fishing pole or favorite novel," said Bao, "but not in any other cities in China."

Fresh air, good natural environment and modern facilities were Zhuhai's most valuable resources to attract wealthy Delta residents after 20 years of industrialization.

Three hours' drive will bring people from any city in the Delta to Zhuhai, Bao said, and the rush of private car-buying would further heat up tourism in Zhuhai.

(Southcn.com March 10, 2003)