NPC deputy calls for national policy to integrate sports and tourism

A woman scales a cliff amid the beautiful and unique mountain and river scenery of Yangshuo county in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Chu, Party secretary of Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, has called for stronger national policies to promote the integrated development of sports, tourism, and rural revitalization, citing Guilin's successful practice.

Taking advantage of its karst landscape, Guilin has made sports a core engine to integrate agriculture, culture, tourism, and commerce, building over 14,000 sports facilities and turning natural scenery into venues.

It hosts more than 400 public events annually and nearly 30 major competitions every two years, attracting mass participation and boosting tourism. The model connects scenic spots with rural areas, driving homestays, and local products.

Li urged the central government to issue guidance, set up a special fund for outdoor sports infrastructure, and simplify land approval to support similar regions in differentiated development.