"We are building this platform to solve those issues, making sure that companies can have access to the capital they need, as well as the abundant historical resources they already have at their disposal."

Wang said the Tianshui venture is particularly open to private money, as well as funds from State-owned enterprises such as GCIDG.

Within the province's various plans, 200 million yuan has been earmarked for infrastructure improvements in Tianshui and Dunhuang - a city well-known for its Mogao Caves - while 500 million yuan has been allotted to tourist facilities in nearby Zhangye.

Zhang Yang, an experienced Beijing travel sales manager, said traditionally tourists have tended to favor China's more developed eastern and southern provinces, rather than western areas.

However, massive interest in the Silk Road concept has meant more are looking at traveling west, attracted by the mystery and history of the ancient trade routes.

"The western areas are still facing fierce competition from tours to Southeast Asia, where prices are falling.

"But after getting to read about the Silk Road, travelers are becoming more adventurous, even looking as far as places like Turkey, because of their Silk Road connections," she said,

"The priority of the local governments in these areas, however, has to be to invest more in improving both their facilities and infrastructure."

Contact the writers at dujuan@chinadaily.com.cn