Pingyao was recently lauded as a charming tourism county at the first China County Economy Development Forum held in Beijing on Jan 7.

As a UNESCO world cultural heritage site, the ancient city of Pingyao has been committed to its tourism-based economy over recent years. Apart from ancient architectures and traditional folk customs, the county has developed a series of programs, including the Pingyao International Photography Festival and Pingyao Chinese New Year, to showcase the cultural image of modern Pingyao.

The forum, focusing on the development patterns of county-level economies, gathered experts from across China who shared their latest research achievements about fostering county economy. Economic issues, such as poverty alleviation, financial innovation and internet plus, were discussed during the event.

Other counties, including Helan county in Ningxia Hui autonomous region and Jiangyin county in Jiangsu province, were awarded for their performances in investment, technology development and poverty alleviation.

Li Yaping, vice director of the Pingyao tourism bureau, receives the "2016 Chinese tourism county" award on behalf of Pingyao at the China County Economy Development Forum held in Beijing on Jan 7. [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]