Tourism, cultural sectors booming in Shandong
China DailyShandong's tourism and cultural sectors are booming, with new and improved market entities, as well as expanded industrial chains. The added value of the cultural industry in Shandong increased from 183.44 billion yuan in 2013 to 312 billion yuan in 2017, accounting for 4.29 percent from 3.32 percent of the whole GDP, with an average annual growth rate of more than 15 percent, far higher than the GDP growth rate in the same period. The province is now home to 11 5A scenic spots, which are China's highest ranking for tourism areas, 222 4A scenic spots, and 1,048 tourist scenic spots below 3A level. The province has been emphasizing the development of the regional cultural sector and tourism industry, and fostering cultural and tourism consumption as new economic growth drivers.