September 12, (chinadaily.com.cn) - "Red tourism" is expected to promote the economic, social development of Jiangxi Province and boost people's living standards, a senior provincial official said Monday.

"Red tourism" refers to visits to sites that in one way or another have relevance to China's "red" revolution from 1921, when the Communist Party of China was born, to 1949 when new China was founded.

"Red tourism" will also help the Communist Party of China cement its ruling status, promote the great spirit of the Chinese nation and improve the moral standards of the youth, Wu Xinxiong, executive vice-governor of the province said when meeting with journalists from news websites across the nation.

The vice-governor revealed that his government has drafted long-term plan to develop "red tourism", speeding up transportation infrastructure construction.

Till the end of 2004, the highway in the province had reached 1500 kilometers, ranked 9th in the country. Air traffic also witnessed rapid development, with five airports already being in operation.

Wu said that his province is rich in "red tourism" resouces and is known as the cradle for the Chinese "red" revolution.

The 2005 China (Jiangxi) Red Tourism Expo is to start October 28 as the province strives to promote its "red tourism" resources.

Internet, the fourth media after the newspapers, television and radio, is playing a more and more important role in the society, Wu said.

He hoped the online journalists can help promote the expo and Jiangxi to other parts of the country, as well as to the world.