The Jiaodong Economic Circle in Shandong province is ramping up efforts to promote the integrated development of its culture and tourism sectors and a cooperation union was set up on May 19, which also marked the annual China Tourism Day, according to local officials.

The Jiaodong Economic Circle Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Union is set up on May 19. [Photo/dailyqd.com]

The union, which involves the culture and tourism authorities from five cities in the Jiaodong area, namely Qingdao, Yantai, Weifang, Weihai and Rizhao, is designed to facilitate the integrated development of the culture and tourism industries in the area.

Officials said the five cities will strengthen their cooperation in tourism marketing, creating featured tourism products, projects, public services and boosting cultural exchanges.

Relying on the area's coastal scenery and marine resources, the five cities will launch a series of featured tourism routes and build a tourism brand.

The five cities will also offer coupons and discounts on scenic spots to attract more tourists, launch preferential policies to attract investment as well as promote the coordinated development of the film and television industry, yacht industry, cultural creativity, photo-shooting tours, island vacations and the healthcare industry.

The Jiaodong area is located on the Shandong Peninsula, the largest peninsula in China. It is named for its location, to the east of the Jiaolai River. The area boasts fertile farmland, picturesque landscape, rich culture, a pleasant climate and well-developed transportation.

An aerial photo shows the beautiful coastal landscape of Rizhao, in Shandong province. [Photo/dailyqd.com]

Tourists enjoy a folk performance in Qingzhou ancient town in Weifang, Shandong province. [Photo/dailyqd.com]

The Penglai Pavilion is a popular scenic spot in Yantai [Photo/dailyqd.com]

Liugong Island, a small island located on the northeastern edge of Shandong Peninsula at the mouth of Weihai Bay. It is a popular tourism tourist destination in Weihai. [Photo/dailyqd.com]

A scene in Qingdao, in Shandong province [Photo/dailyqd.com]