BEIJING – China has given a new twist to “disaster tourism†by planning to turn the Tangjiashan “quake lake” into a scenic spot.
Experts are studying how to develop the lake, which was formed by the May 12 earthquake, in a “comprehensive” and “scientific” way.
Local Communist party official, Chen Xingchun said, “It will be an important part of rebuilding Beichuan county.”
The quake triggered massive landslides in Sichuan, blocking the flow of rivers and creating more than 30 unstable quake lakes that threatened millions downstream.
Tangjiashan, the largest of the lakes, had put 1.3 million people at risk before the drainage efforts succeeded earlier this month.
Chen told reporters local authorities would spend three years building a new Beichuan, which would feature the distinctive Qiang culture, strong industry and tourism.
Beichuan is the only Qiang autonomous county in the country, but the quake almost destroyed its culture completely.
“We must preserve the Qiang culture while rebuilding the county,” Chen said.
The old county seat would also be developed into a scenic spot in future, he said.
