Local tourism organizations and travel agencies in Dandong city, in northeastern Liaoning province, have launched a number of new programs to promote the scenic river's attractions to draw tourists from other parts of the country.

The recent opening of an expressway from Shenyang, the provincial capital, to the border city, has made travel more easy and convenient for tourists.

During the week-long National Day holiday, from October 1-7, the number of tourist arrivals soared to over 20,000 a day.

Local farmers have also benefited also from the tourist rush as many visitors came to stay in their homes and enjoyed home-made food and fresh fruit grown by the villagers.

(Xinhua News Agency October 11, 2002)