The 2013 Sichuan International Tourism Festival and China Online Media Reporting Tour got off to a roaring start on the evening of Sept 2, drawing representatives from 34 major online media outlets, travel agencies and tourism sites across the country.

The representatives visited Guang'an, a picturesque city in eastern Sichuan province, and added Guang'an's tourist attractions to the Travel Media Association of China base list.

Li Chunfeng, deputy director of the Guang'an tourism bureau, said,"The strategic partnership with China's most influential media will help promote the city’s tourism and raise its profile."

Guang'an is a tourist city popular with Chinese tourists. It is also internationally known for its natural beauty, appealing lifestyle and business environment, with a wide range of tourist attractions including Baozhensai and Deng Xiaoping's birthplace.

Baozhensai, built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), is a famous military fortress covering an area of 26,000 square meters. It combines architecture from castles, ancient bunkers and traditional courtyard houses.

Baozhensai, built in the Qing Dynasty, is a famous military fortress. [Photo by Guang'an tourism bureau]

Baozhensai, built in the Qing Dynasty, is a famous military fortress. [Photo by Xie Fang]