Twenty chartered flights carrying tourists from Shanghai to northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will be operated from July to boost Xinjiang's tourism, Shanghai's tourism authorities announced on Friday.
The trips will start on July 6 and will be operated at least once every week from then, according to the Shanghai Tourism Administration.
Eight chartered train trips to Xinjiang will also be organized.
About 100 Shanghai tourists boarded a trial flight operated by China Eastern Airlines to Kashgar on Friday morning at Hongqiao International Airport — the tour will last eight days.
Some Shanghai tourists pose at Hongqiao International Airport on Friday morning before they board the "Shanghai-Kashgar" chartered flight.
"The chartered flights will enhance exchange between Shanghai and Kashgar, and the tourism industry of Kashgar will help create more jobs and boost its economic development," said Shi Jiaming, deputy director of Shanghai headquarters of Xinjiang assistance.
"Shanghai tourists are invited to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Kashgar and experience its unique culture," he said.
The Shanghai Tourism Administration has signed a cooperation agreement on tourism assistance with Kashgar authorities. It will assist in working out a blueprint for Kashgar's tourism industry and shoot tourism promotion videos.
Two performers from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region dance at Hongqiao International Airport to celebrate the launch of chartered flights between Shanghai and Kashgar.
A low-flying helicopter tourism project will be operated in Kashgar, and recreational vehicle bases will be built up in the region as well. In addition, a number of countryside tourism villages will be constructed.
The goal is to assist the area to become an international Silk Road tourist destination with 2 million travel visits from Shanghai to Kashgar this year, the administration said.