All scenic spots in Anyang City of central China's Henan Province will be open free to foreign passport holders from July 1 to December 31 of this year, according to chinanews.com.cn.

Anyang, with a history of over 3300 years, is the birthplace of oracle bone inscriptions, the earliest form of Chinese writing, and the Book of Changes, an ancient book on the earliest Chinese philosophy. It is also the hometown of the famous patriotic hero Yue Fei.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anyang is also home of Yinxu, the ancient capital of China's Shang Dynasty (BC 1700 - BC 1100).

In a drive to boost its local tourism, Anyang has handed out free scenic spot tickets worth 10 million yuan to domestic visitors. The city also gives residents travel cards valid to all scenic spots.

The city has also held its tourism promotions in other major cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Wuhan and Jinan.

Giving free admission to foreigners is the latest part of the city's campaign to attract more tourists. An air stunt show will also be held at Linlu Mountain, an Anyang tourist site, and foreign ambassadors to China are invited to Anyang to enjoy the show and experience the city.

In addition, a photo exhibition featuring scenery of Anyang will start its nationwide tour in Beijing.

(CRIENGLISH.com June 30, 2009)