New rules to help local governments plan cultural, tourism development

BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism published a guideline for local governments on planning the development of cultural sectors and tourism, a ministry statement said Wednesday.

The document asks local governments to conduct careful research before drafting development plans and increase transparency and public participation, said the statement on the ministry's website.

They were encouraged to coordinate local development plans with national ones and fully consult all involved parties, the statement said.

The document also clarified the approving procedure of the plans and regulated supervision over implementation and assessment.