China's central government has given its approval for northwestern China's first ever tourism zone, to be set up on Mount Dingjun in Mianxian County of Shaanxi Province.

The general planning of the Dingjun Mountain National Tourism Vacation Zone, which was put forward by Mianxian County in July 2010, won support from the National Tourism Administration (NTA) and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on Nov. 20.

Dingjun Mountain is known for a famous battle fought during the Three Kingdoms (AD 220-280) period when Liu Bei, the founder of the Shu Kingdom, conquered Cao Cao, the founder of the Wei Kingdom. The battle laid the basis for the Shu Kingdom's rise to power. The Dingjun Mountain Tourism Vacation Zone will feature the history and culture of the Three Kingdoms.

Tour operators believe that the creation of the tourism zone will bring more opportunities and hopes for the development of the tourism industry in Mianxian County.

As per the plan, certain themed areas will also be a part of the tourism zone and will feature the Yanghe River sightseeing area, the Moon River hot spring wellness area and the Tiandang Buddhism cultural area.

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