Tourism and fishing industries suffering from cross-border tensions
The nuclear test carried out in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in May set the world on edge, so it is little wonder the tourism industries in China's border cities have been one of the worst affected by the following tension.
The mysterious nature of the DPRK has lured an increasing number of Chinese sightseers but its grand folk dancing and music shows have done little to ease potential visitors' fears this year. "The revenues from four-day tours and business trips to the DPRK have plunged at least 50 percent compared to last year," said Li Peng, general manager of the Dandong branch of the State-owned China International Travel Service (CITS).
He said about 30,000 tourists have traveled with his company to the DPRK from Dandong in the past two years, with a four-day visit costing around 2,400 yuan ($350) per person.
