The Miyun kite-flying competition held on this month attracted more than 100 kite enthusiasts from downtown Beijing and thousands of visitors. The competition marked the start of a concerted travel promotion by the local government of Miyun, a suburban county 50 km north of Beijing. To attract visitors, some 500 free entrance tickets (valued 10-35 yuan each, 5 million yuan in total) to scenic spots such as Simatai Great Wall, were sent to Beijingers by the Miyun local government. More free tickets will be given to visitors between April and June, according to the Miyun tourism administration.

The promotion will also see 10 foreign families in Beijing getting the chance to live with 10 local farmer families and enjoying folk tradition, food and even farming in Miyun's countryside.

Miyun tourism hotline: 6902-7774

(China Daily April 28, 2009)