The concept image of the to-be-built tourist center in New Town, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province [Photo/zhoushan.cn] 

A modern tourist center will rise in the near future in New Town, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, with the construction work having started in late February. 

The project, worth 220 million yuan ($32.74 million), is in the charge of Zhoushan New Town Tourist Center Co. 

"It will include a hotel, a bus terminal and several commercial buildings, with the total built-up area of 428,000 square meters," said an executive from the company, adding that the hotel will cover 260,000 sq m and feature 550 rooms to accommodate tourist groups of various sizes.

There will also be 71 parking spaces aboveground and 252 underground for tourist buses and cars of self-driving tourists, as well as for cars in the neighboring residential area.

Local residents can take the tourist bus to Hangzhou or Shanghai either from the terminal at the center or from the New Town Bus Terminal, depending on which is the nearest one to their homes. 

"We will accelerate the center's construction to ensure it is put into operation as soon as possible," said the executive. 

The center is expected to boost the local tourism industry by gathering tourists and providing quality tourism services. It is also hoped that the center will enhance the image of the city.