Jilin province explores the deep integration of culture and tourism and is integrating itself into Northeast China's overall regional tourism development, said deputies to the National People's Congress from the province's delegation during an open panel discussion in Beijing on Friday.

Jilin has worked to make its cultural resources shine even brighter in the new era, becoming a driving force in tourism development, said Sun Guangzhi, an NPC deputy, who is also head of Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

Last year, museums in the province received 11.75 million visits, a 70 percent increase compared to the previous year, demonstrating the potential of culture to help drive tourism, said Sun.

By upgrading museums, opening national archaeological ruins parks, holding red tourism-themed festivals and organizing intangible cultural heritage markets, the province will offer the public diversified and multi-layered cultural and tourist products and services, she adds.

Jilin also attempts to combine cultural tourism with other facets of life. For example, it combines cultural tourism with education, giving rise to a number of tourism areas for study tours. It also explores the integration of sports with cultural tourism and actively holds international and domestic athletic events to attract travelers.

The ice and snow leisure economy is booming in the province.