(China Daily 03/11/2005 page10) - “Red tourism” promotions will be a major travel theme in China this year.

This promotion aims to speed up the growth of the local travel industry through 2010 as well as to promote economic development and “national ethos,” according to an official source.

During the first phase, from 2004 to 2007, the focus is on establishing a preliminary “Red tourism” framework based on 100 sites highlighting 30 tourist routes and 12 major zones.

Infrastructure in these sites will be further enhanced to realize the all-around development of “Red tourism,” the goal of the second phase, according to the program.

“Red tourism” destinations, including Jinggang Mountain, Yan’an, Xibaipo and Taihang Mountains, are mostly in economically weak, land-locked areas.

The state will create policies supporting travel agencies to manage “red tourism” routes. Various businesses and social organizations are also encouraged to participate in the construction and management of the sites.

Certain “Red tourism” routes are already in the planning stages.

Jinggang Mountain (Jinggangshan) in Jiangxi Province

Located on the border of Jiangxi and Hunan provinces, Jinggang Mountain is the mid point of the Luoxiao Mountain Range. In October 1927, the Autumn Harvest Uprising troops led by Mao Zedong marched to Jinggang Mountain and set up the first rural revolutionary base there.

In late April, 1928, the remaining army led by Zhu De and Chen Yi met there to join the army led by Mao Zedong and to set up the 4th Red Army. Jinggang Mountain has become a popular tourist destination. The site is especially intriguing because of its historical past, bamboo forests and stunning waterfalls.

A 20-hour trip from Beijing’s West Railway Station will get you to the historic mountain.

The area is a very popular and very patriotic spot for Chinese visitors.