Shenzhen will soon release 10 theme songs based on the city’s top tourist spots.

The songs will make their debut at the Window of the World on Wednesday.

Carving an image as “The City of Joy”, Shenzhen tourism authority six months ago invited songwriters Chen Xiaoqi, Chen Jieming, Li Guangping and Yao Xiaoqiang to compose songs for the city, particularly for the top eight tourist attractions, such as Wutong Mountain, Shennan Road, Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches.

 “These songs are melodic and the lyrics concise. I believe some will become popular among tourists,” Chi Xiongbiao, chief of the Shenzhen tourism bureau, said Tuesday.

Chi expected the songs would help attract tourists and promote Shenzhen’s tourism industry.

In 2004, the city’s tourism sector earned 38 billion yuan (US$4.8 billion) in revenue. About 54.44 million tourists came to Shenzhen last year, a 27 percent increase over 2003. More than 1.05 million foreign tourists visited Shenzhen last year, a 50.5 percent rise from 2003.

Chi revealed the city would launch some new tourist projects this year, such as the third phase of the Happy Valley fun park, which is expected to open to the public in May.

(Shenzhen Daily January 20, 2005)