North China's Hebei Province is to invest about 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million) to establish a service system to help tourists who drive by themselves to tourism destinations, according to the provincial government.

The system will include establishing 734 signs along the side of main roads and highways in the province, giving out free maps to drivers at toll-stations and providing information about tourism spots and shopping on websites.

The new move to promote tourism in the province is targeting at the increase in China's private car owners, who like to go on so-called DIY tours instead of travel groups.

(China Daily August 3, 2004)