Kaifeng's Millennium City Park Photo: Courtesy of the Millennium City Park

"As an NPC deputy from the cultural and tourism industry,MK sports Korea I deeply feel the responsibility of representing both industry professionals and travelers," said Wang Shuang, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) and chairwoman of Kaifeng Millennium City Park Co., Ltd. in Central China's Henan Province. 

Every year, her primary focus is on the development of the cultural and tourism sector. This year, her proposals center on tax relief and financial support, proposing measures to drive the industry's sustained prosperity and high-quality growth.

Every proposal stems from years of frontline research. Growing alongside China's cultural and tourism industry, Wang has remained committed to identifying "pain points" and tackling challenges. Based on her year-long investigation, she found that the industry has structural imbalances: "The supply system is imbalanced, with a 'bulging middle and weak ends' - more than 60 percent of traditional scenic spots have homogeneous offerings, failing to meet diverse consumer demands."

Additionally, the sector struggles with incomplete talent pipelines and a shortage of high-level leaders, which hampers innovation, service quality, and the industry's transformation and upgrading.

Wang Shuang, an NPC deputy and chairwoman of Kaifeng Millennium City Park Co., Ltd. Photo: Courtesy of Wang Shuang

In response, Wang proposed three targeted measures. The first is to implement more precise tax support policies to energize market players; the second is to deepen capital market reforms to broaden financing options; and the third is to build a comprehensive, full-chain financial support system to address bottlenecks in the funding process.

"The cultural and tourism industry is a vital green engine driving China's high-quality economic development and a key measure for stabilizing the broader economy," Wang stated. "Critical for economic transformation, this industry requires sustained investment and careful management. Its sustainable growth hinges on seizing opportunities, addressing challenges, strengthening support, and resolving structural issues." In 2023, Wang proposed policy-driven measures to advance the high-quality development of the cultural and tourism industry, the implementation of which were supervised by the NPC Standing Committee. "In practice, many regions have made remarkable progress," she noted. "By optimizing industrial layouts, promoting integrated development and improving public service infrastructure, the competitiveness and appeal of the cultural and tourism industry have been significantly enhanced."

With "China Travel" seeing a surge in popularity, the tourism economy has entered a new phase of thriving growth following its rapid recovery, Wang noted. "The continued rise of 'China Travel' not only enhances China's international image and cultural soft power, but also drives consumption by attracting a growing number of foreign tourists. This, in turn, boosts related industries and injects fresh momentum into the economy."

Wang expressed hope that her proposals would further amplify the cultural and tourism industry's contribution to economic growth. She envisions a more open and inclusive China welcoming more global visitors, showcasing cultural confidence, supporting the building of a culturally strong nation, and contributing to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Wang also highlighted Kaifeng's Millennium City Park, inspired by the masterpiece "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." This national 5A-level scenic spot brings Song Dynasty culture to life through immersive experiences. Its signature performance, The Great Song Dynasty-Reminiscences of the Eastern Capital, was designated a model project by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, according to Wang.  

By blending live performances, intangible cultural heritage and holographic technology, the park recreates the grandeur of Song-era Bianjing (now Kaifeng), attracting global visitors and driving economic growth and job creation. The garden shares China's story with the world through "tangible history," showcasing the legacy and innovation of the Chinese civilization, she said.