Some 38 Shenzhen citizens enjoyed a free tour to the 28 candidate scenic spots for the Top Eight Shenzhen Scenic Spots on Saturday under the guidance of Shenzhen tourism chief, Chi Xiongbiao.

The tourism bureau initiated the tour to familiarize residents with the scenic spots to enable them to vote for the top eight scenic spots. More than 30 reporters, including reporters from Guangzhou and Hong Kong, covered the tour.

Residents said they were impressed by the hospitality of the tourism bureau and the tourist spots.

Justin Mitchell, an American living in Shenzhen, visited the scenic spots for the first time. He was fascinated by the beautiful beaches and the ancient Dapengsuocheng.

“Xiasha beach reminds me of California,” said Justin.

When he saw the Dapengsuocheng, an ancient fortress featuring well-kept houses of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911), he was surprised.

“It is the first time I’ve seen such ancient houses in China,” he said.

Cao Xianguo, head of the Shenzhen Chunjiang Enterprise Co., had been to the tourist spots several times but he was still eager to join the tour.

“I want to have a better understanding of the scenic spots and be able to show them to my business partners,” he said.

The 38 citizens were chosen from nearly 2,000 applicants according to their fitness and gender, said Deng Shenghua, a senior official with the city tourism bureau.

The final result of the voting was expected to be known Dec. 26, Deng said.

(Shenzhen Daily November 24, 2003)