Yichang City in central China's Hubei Province has been chosen by the China National Tourism Administration as the venue for activities organized to mark World Travel Day next year.

Situated on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Yichang is the nearest city to the site of the Three Gorges dam, the world's largest water control project which is under construction.

In 1979, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) designated September 27 as World Travel Day, a day aimed at developing international and domestic tourism, promoting cultural and trade exchanges worldwide, and enhancing social progress.

China became a member of the organization in October 1983, and began celebrating World Travel Day in 1987. This year's World Travel Day will be celebrated in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

( April 4, 2002 )