Shanxi hopes short-haul flights will boost province's tourism

TAIYUAN - North China's Shanxi province is looking to boost tourism by developing a short-haul flight service and improving its transportation system.

A direct flight linking the city of Lyuliang and the city of Taiyuan, the provincial capital, was launched on April 30. The flight cuts the time of the 200-kilometer journey between the two from three hours by car to just 45 minutes by air.

"Flight tickets are in high demand. Flights in May are almost fully booked," says Yun Peigang, general manager of Lyuliang Dawu Airport. "It is a new way of traveling, introducing short-distance flights between cities in Shanxi and providing breathtaking views for passengers."