A direct flight form Baotou to Nah Trang in Vietnam was launched on Dec 23, with the flight VN874 touching down at Baotou Airport, according to local media reports.

The flight, operated by Vietnam’s largest carrier Vietnam Airlines on an Airbus A321, will fly once a week on Mondays from Dec 23 to March 23, 2020.

Nah Trang, a coastal city in Vietnam, is a renowned tourist destination due to its beaches and scuba diving.

Nha Trang Bay is widely considered to be among the world's most beautiful bays. Another highlight of the city is its seafood, considered the cheapest yet most delicious in Southeast Asia.

Airport officials said the relaunch of the direct flight will provide further convenience for business people traveling between the two regions and boost exchanges between North China and Southeast Asia. In addition, it is expected to promote Sino-Vietnamese economic and trade exchanges.

Since 2016, Baotou Airport has successfully launched international flights linking with countries including Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Russia.

It has gained approval to handle commercial cargo from the State Council, China’s Cabinet. The cargo operation will be officially opened after the green light is given by the General Administration of Customs.

Officials said this will effectively promote deeper cooperation between Baotou and overseas countries and regions in trade, finance, science and technology, education and tourism.

At the same time, it will also add new impetus to the industrial transformation and upgrading of Baotou.

Vietnam's seaside city of Nha Trang is a hot destination for Chinese visitors. [Photo provided to China Daily]