East China's Shandong province, where the Yellow River flows into the sea, is promoting the deep integration of culture and tourism, as well as empowering local economic and social development in an all-round way.

 Yellow River Tower in Binzhou's Puhu Lake Scenic Area [Photo by Liu Chuan/chinadaily.com.cn]

Over the years, Shandong has launched an array of cultural tourism projects, making great strides in digging into the cultural connotations and value of the Yellow River to boost the high-quality development of the region.

One example is the Yellow River Tower in Binzhou's Puhu Lake Scenic Area, which was open to the public last year. It has become a cultural landmark of the Yellow River Basin where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the river passing through the city, as well as watch exhibitions showcasing the river's profound history and culture.

Liu Shumin, head of Shandong Binsheng Scenic Area Management Service, said the tower has offered more than 20 courses on traditional Chinese culture, including movable-type printing and willow weaving.

"The tower also offers various types of activities, such as research tours, and undertakes Yellow River-themed photography exhibitions and video competitions. We have also developed more than 30 kinds of cultural and creative products," Liu added.

One of the most influential tourism brands in Yuncheng county, the Shuihu Film Studio is another key complex integrating film and television shooting, research, as well as performances. There are 36 courtyards, 72 landscape sites, and 108 scenic spots displaying the diverse cultures of the Chinese classic novel Shuihuzhuan, or Heros of the Marshes. During the Spring Festival this year, it received 30,000 to 40,000 visitors per day.

Shuihu Film Studio in Yuncheng county, Heze [Photo by Liu Chuan/chinadaily.com.cn]