The first souvenir purchasing center in Sichuan was officially open to the public yesterday, punctuating a full stop for Sichuan's no professional souvenir history.
Though listing tourism as one of its 6 pillar industries, Sichuan is not advanced enough in developing souvenirs and fostering market. Thus after inspecting Yunnan, the Provicial Tourism Bureau established the center at Songxianqiao Art City of Chengdu Huanhua Scenic Spot eventually.
Situated between Qingyang Palace and Dupu's Thatch, the purchasing center is the largest professional souvenir market in Southwest China with a total area of 18,000 sq m.
(Sichuan News net. 11/28/2000)