The landscape ofWenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

A Wenshan riverscape

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in southwest Yunnan Province has tapped further tourism cooperation with Shanghai during the Shanghai Tourism Festival inking agreements and releasing new tourist routes.

Since 1996, Shanghai has paired with Wenshan in a national program to help it relieve poverty.

A direct flight between Shanghai and Wenshan will be launched in late October, the prefecture government announced in Shanghai.

It will be operated by Spring Airlines four days weekly, according to the government.

Tourist attractions in Wenshan are offering free admission to groups to spur tourism recovery with the epidemic waning.

Wenshan signs agreements in Shanghai.

A unique landscape

The Wenshan Prefecture Administration of Culture and Tourism has signed a cooperation agreement with theShanghai Tourism Alliance in Shanghai.

Districttourism associations and travel agencies in Shanghai also inked cooperation deals with their counterparts in Wenshan to promote Shanghai and Wenshan as partner tourist destinations.

Shanghai has provided strong support to Wenshan with funding, projects and talent over the past 24 years and made great contribution to its fight against poverty, said Liang Yingmin, deputy governor of Wenshan.

Wenshan boasts beautiful landscapes and unique ethnic minority culture, making it one of the favorite destinations of tourists in the Yangtze River Delta region, said Cheng Meihong, deputy director of the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism.

Wenshan boasts a unique ethnic minority flavor.

Wenshan stages local dance in Shanghai.

Shanghai and Wenshan have conducted wide exchanges and cooperation in fields such as economy, culture and tourism after Shanghai paired with the prefecture, she said.

Wenshan also released new tourist routes centered on sports, health, nature and history in preparation for the upcoming eight-day National Day holiday.

The routes will take tourists to the Puzhehei scenic area with its 54 lakes, karst peak forests, caves and wetlands. Visitors can also explore ethnic minority villages and appreciate the famed woodblock paintings of Maguan County.