A tourism forum kicked off in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Dec 10, discussing plans for future tourism development in Baotou, reports Xinhua.

Jointly hosted by the people’s government of Baotou and xinhuanet.com, the Wudang Lamasery Cultural Tourism Development Forum took place in Xiguitu New district, which is part of Shiguai district.

Wudang Lamasery Cultural Tourism Development Forum takes place in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Dec 10, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

More than 300 officials from government bodies, along with experts and business representatives will attend the forum, discussing tourism development in Shiguai district and the future direction of the industry.

Wu Yun, vice mayor of Baotou, extended her welcome to the guests present at the forum and underlined the importance of seeking new development patterns for the city with region-based tourism the driving force.

Wu Yun, vice mayor of Baotou, delivers a speech at the tourism forum in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Dec 10, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Highlights of the forum included the application of VR. Guests were invited to have a glimpse of some of the most well-known tourist attractions in China, like Luding Bridge and Zhangjiajie of Hunan province, through VR devices.

As the cradle of industry in the autonomous region, Shiguai district strives for transformation and development and looks to emerging industries in the district, including cultural tourism, aviation and big data.

Tourism has become one of the pillar industries of Shiguai district, thanks to the efforts made by the district government. In 2015, the district received 608,000 tourists, and the added-value of tourism hit 1.36 billion yuan ($2 million), making up 15.2 percent of the district’s GDP.

The district was selected as one of China’s demonstration districts for tourism promotion in 2016. With the Wudang Lamasery being on the tentative list for national 5A-level scenic areas, Shiguai district is becoming the regional pacesetter in tourism development.

VR products produced by xinhuanet.com on display at the forum, Dec 10, 2016 [Photo/Xinhua]

Guests try VR devices to get a glimpse of some of the most famous tourist attractions in China, Dec 10, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]