North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region is spearheading efforts to enhance cross-border tourism cooperation along the historical "Tea Road".

The "Tea Road" emerged in the 17th century, when merchants transported tea and other goods from South China to Mongolia and Russia via Inner Mongolia. It spans over 13,000 kilometers and includes more than 200 cities.

As a crucial part of the "Tea Road," Inner Mongolia has initiated and promoted the establishment of the Tea Road International Tourism Alliance, developing the "Tea Road" as an international cultural tourism brand.

This year, Inner Mongolia has launched 10 premium "Tea Road" tourism routes.

Additionally, Inner Mongolia is enhancing border tourism through the establishment of border tourism pilot zones and cross-border tourism cooperation zones, promoting exchanges in border areas, and fostering the prosperity of border tourism.

New international flight routes have been established, including Hailaar to Chita and Vladivostok, Manzhouli to Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk and Ulaanbaatar. Charter flights from Hohhot to Irkutsk and Manzhouli to Ulan-Ude have also been launched, improving customs clearance efficiency at Manzhouli and Erenhot land ports.

Due to these efforts, a total of more than 2 million tourists traveled between China and Russia or between China and Mongolia from January to July this year.

Source: China Daily