Sichuan provincial capital eyes culture, creative hub using HK's strategic role

Panda-mania, it seems, may not be enough for Sichuan to beef up its tourism credentials.

Chengdu - the capital city of the southwestern province that boasts a 2,300-year history - is going the extra mile with an eye on turning itself into western China's culture and creative hub, and a port of call for travelers on the global stage, using Hong Kong's "super-connector" role.

Both cities, known for their rich culture and tourism traditions, share a highly similar "cultural core", said Fan Ruiping, a member of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee,

This spells potentially huge opportunities for the two regions, he told a forum entitled "Chengdu to Build the National Center of Culture and Creativity" in Hong Kong on Thursday.