An aerial view of Nantong Wushan Mountain National Forest Park [Photo/IC]

The 2019 China Forest Tour Festival will be held in Nantong, East China’s Jiangsu province, according to an announcement released by the country’s forestry authority on Jan 16.

Nantong is a vital economic and transportation hub for the Yangtze River Delta region, making it an ideal location to host the event, the organization said.

The city is expected to build up its infrastructure, organize improvement projects focusing on the local landscape, and upgrade its service industry, with the aim of bringing the event up to international standards while maintaining its local characteristics.

The festival is organized by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, with the aim of promoting tourism to forested areas. 

Last year’s event was held in Guangzhou, capital of South China’s Guangdong province, from Dec 16 to 18, and involved a huge range of activities, including promotional conferences, industrial forums, cultural performances, and sports contests.