Shanghai will promote a tourist payment card this year. Visitors who pay the admission fees to scenic spots with the card will be able to enjoy certain discounts, said the Shanghai Tourism Administration.
The size of the discounts will depend on how long tourists stay in Shanghai. Officials said they would like to encourage visitors to stay in the city longer.
The payment card can also be used to buy tickets for shows and pay for dining and public transport.
For the past three years, the city has promoted a "tourist passport," which also gives visitors discounts. Those with a tourist passport can also participate in prize draws at the end of every year.
At the annual session of the Shanghai People's Congress, a deputy proposed yesterday that the city should develop its water attractions.
"At present the water tour packages in the city are dull. There is still huge room for development," said the deputy, Chen Xiuping.
He said the city should develop its tourist attractions on sea, river, creek, lake and beach.
The administration said the city is already working on a tour route from the Huangpu River to Dianshan Lake in Qingpu District.
"Once the itinerary is complete, tourists will be able to sightsee from the suburbs to the downtown area by boat," said Dao Shuming, director of the administration.
Dao also said tour ideas for Suzhou Creek are under consideration.
"We plan to hold sports such as dragon boat racing on the creek after the water quality improves," he said.