China Untapped, Discover Treasured Towns

	Zheng Shiling Professor at Tongji University Academician of CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Expert on Shanghai Planning Committee

	Ruan Yisan Professor at Tongji University Director of National Researching Center of Historic Cities at Tongji University Member of National Experts Committee of Historic Cities

	Zhou Jian Professor at Tongji University Vice Dean of College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University Dean of Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute Director of National Researching Center of Historic Cities

	Chang Qing Professor at Tongji University Director of Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University

	Yan Guotai Professor at Tongji University Expert of Department of Landscape Architecture , College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University

	Han Feng Associate Professor at Tongji University Voting member of ICOMOS International Scientific Committee of Culture Landscape Member of IFLA Asia Pacific Culture Landscape Steering Committee

	Zhang Ciyun Deputy Director General of Information Office of Shanghai Municipality Editor-in-chief of the Shanghai Daily

	Wang Zuguang Editor-in-chief of the Travel Times

	Qian Wenzhong Professor of History at Fudan University A researcher of the Research Institute for Oriental Culture, East China Normal University.

	Wang Xiaohui Photo Artist

	K. B. Albert Chan Director of Planning and Development at Shui On Land Registered Architect of New York State

Statistics from the China National Tourism Administration show that the tourism industry accounts for more than four percent of China's total GDP. This number powerfully demonstrates the positive impact of tourism on China's economy as a whole. Meanwhile, people are beginning to realize that the charm of cities and famous places of great historical interest is fading away, yet small towns and villages are becoming more and more in the spotlight. Beautiful landscapes, such as mountains, lakes and streams with rich historical significance are whispering stories unknown to many.

"China Untapped, Discover Treasured Towns" is a project co-launched in June 2009 by International Channel Shanghai (SMG), Channel News Asia (Media Corp Singapore) and the Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute. The objective aims to bring cherished and unknown towns to the spotlight and to promote them as future tourist destinations.

There have been many ceremonies to award charming and well-known towns in China. However, there has never been an event specifically designated to discover unknown towns. Thus, "China Untapped" gives priority to those undeveloped towns and villages. The project consists of four major parts: launching 20 episodes of feature programming co-produced by ICS and Channel News Asia about selected treasured towns; an awards ceremony at the end of November 2009; a forum on the development of small and medium sized towns; and a campaign promoting selected treasured towns. Feature programs and relevant activities will be broadcasted through ICS and Channel News Asia, covering audiences from all over Asia. Script contents will be published in the Travel Times and the Shanghai Daily.