Ancient Xitang town scenic area in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang province, starts issuing 80,000 coupons worth four million yuan ($564,000) to visitors on March 28. [Photo/WeChat account: jxfabu]

Ancient Xitang town scenic area in Xitang, a town in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang province, started issuing 80,000 coupons worth four million yuan ($564,000) to visitors on March 28 in a bid to attract more tourists, local media reported.

The move made Xitang the first scenic spot in Jiaxing to issue coupons.

Tourists can receive two 50 yuan coupons if they purchase tickets (not including discount tickets) at the tourist centers in Xitang town until all 80,000 coupons are given out.

These coupons can be used in designated restaurants, homestays, bars and handicraft stores in Xitang scenic area as well as for taking a boat ride in the scenic spot.

These coupons are effective from March 28 to April 30.

In addition, Xitang town also rolled out two other measures to boost the development of its tourism industry and encourage local companies to resume operations after closing due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Canteens at government agencies are closed and government workers are encouraged to take meals at Xitang scenic area, and members of the labor union of government agencies are encouraged to spend half of their rehabilitation subsidies at the scenic area.

A senior official from Xitang town said that these measures are expected to boost local consumption, and that the entire town would also accelerate the return of economic and social development to normal conditions.

Label can be found at designated stores in Xitang town scenic area where visitors may use the coupon. [Photo/WeChat account: jxfabu]