Visitors watch a video about local history at a historical site in Huizhou, Guangdong province, in late November. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A work conference on the development of cultural relic-themed tourism routes was held in Huizhou, Guangdong province, on Nov 30. The conference was hosted by the National Cultural Heritage Administration and aimed to boost efforts by related parties in developing the routes.

Representatives from 14 provincial cultural relic departments, and those from Hong Kong and Macao, attended the conference. The administration, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the National Development and Reform Commission jointly issued a notice on building such routes in May.

Various regions have actively explored the construction of regional and county-level cultural heritage-themed tourist routes, achieving key results, said Guan Qiang, deputy director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, at the conference.

Visitors arrive at Zhoutian village which abounds in Hakka culture and revolutionary history. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Guan emphasized that various regions and relevant departments should enhance ideological awareness, fulfill their primary responsibilities, and promote the construction of cultural heritage-themed tourist routes.

He said it is necessary to strengthen interdepartmental collaboration, coordinate the construction of cultural heritage-themed tourist routes according to the division of functions in such aspects as cultural heritage, culture and tourism, development and reform, as well as promote the work in a concerted manner.

He also called upon relevant parties to take steps to build the themed routes, implement cultural relic protection, restoration, display and utilization. Folk customs performance and distinctive sports experiences can be integrated to promote the cultural relic routes.