Xi'an local government has pledged to set up more than 10 helicopter landing sites in the ancient city to improve its emergency response abilities, Monday's Xi'an Evening News reported.

The landing sites are expected to be built near scenic spots, hospitals, disaster relief agencies and large enterprises, Jin Qiansheng, Party Chief of the Yanliang National Aviation High-tech Industrial Base told the newspaper on Sunday.

Jin made the remarks during the International General Aviation Convention 2011 in Xi'an of Shaanxi province, saying that landing site could bring conveniences for the public in terms of first aid, and is also conducive to local tourism development.

According to Jin, the core of developing general aviation in China is the building of airports, which is a precondition to aircraft manufacturing, delivery, operation and maintenance. Construction of general aviation airports in Qian County, Hengshan and Shenmu are expected to start later this year, Jin was quoted as saying.

The four-day International General Aviation Convention 2011 closes on Monday. Exhibitors have successfully sold 157 aircraft during the event with another 200 options, according to report of Xi'an-based cnwest.com.

China's general aviation industry is still in its beginning stages, with only 1,050 general aviation aircraft and 11,000 employees around the country.