Shenzhen is going to further develop industrial tourism, especially in the city's two industrial centers of Bao'an and Longgang, according to a spokesman with the municipal tourism bureau Friday.

"Shenzhen is in a leading position in China for many industries. Some industries, such as jewelry, toys and beer brewing, pose great interests to visitors and are potential tourist spots," he said.

The tourism bureau is now working with some companies to develop industrial tourism, according to the spokesman.

"We are not simply making studies on the enterprises, but on surrounding environment as well. The industrial feature is only a highlight in industrial tourism. Some other elements should be taken into considerations in order to make the spots convenient and attractive for tourists," the spokesman said.

Industrial tourism has been one of the new trends in Shenzhen's tourism industry in the past few years.

So far the Kingway Brewery factory in Bao'an and the China South International Industrial Materials City in Longgang have been earmarked as the first two industrial tourist spots in the city. Industrial tourism has helped promote the two companies in China and abroad, according to an earlier report by the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily.

Many Shenzheners interviewed said they were interested in touring the city's industrial sites.

(Shenzhen Daily December 12, 2005)