During the process of rapid urbanization in China, many cities have seen scenic features lost to swaths of concrete, steel and glass. But Zhao Leqin, the Party chief of Guilin, is determined that his city will follow a different course and retain the attraction of its natural scenery.

Guilin is exceptional not just for its natural scenery but also for its economic strategy. While many Chinese tend to pledge they're going to build their cities into modern business centers, Guilin's leaders just want to make their city a favorite hangout for people.

Zhao said a main component of Guilin's tourism development program is the accommodation of more people seeking "quiet leisure".