A provincial rural tourism work conference is held in Changchun, capital city of Jilin province, on Oct 15. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Northeast China's Jilin province is fostering and building the rural tourism industry as a cluster worth over 100 billion yuan ($13.68 billion) – creating immense opportunities for its development in the region.

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), the rural tourism sector received more than 170 million visits, generating approximately 98 billion yuan in tourism revenue.

Its average annual growth rate twice exceeded the overall tourism industry average growth rate in the province.

Recently, the proposed Action Plan for a 1-trillion-yuan Tourism Industry in Jilin Province (2023-25) was released, aiming to accelerate the development of a 100-billion-yuan rural tourism industry cluster – and promoting the quality development of rural tourism as a hot topic of discussion.

A serene moment is captured on camera at the Momoge National Nature Reserve in Jilin. [Photo/WeChat account of Youyou Jilin]

Currently, Jilin is actively formulating the Jilin Province Rural Tourism Development Plan and Development Plans for 10 Provincial-level Exquisite Villages in Rural Tourism, among others.

It is also focused on developing unique tourism products to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of the tourism sector.

Efforts are being made to create 10 premium villages, continue the development of 100 premium villages in cities and counties and expedite the cultivation of 1,000 premium sites.

It's hoped this will facilitate the transformation and upgrade of rural tourism – ultimately establishing a series of distinctive, rich and high-quality rural tourism destinations and products.

Cars gently traverse the Hancongling Scenic Area in Dunhua city in Jilin province. [Photo/WeChat account of Youyou Jilin]