Package tours in sichuan from Shanghai

In Shanghai, travel agencies have begun offering package tours to Sichuan again. Prices are roughly the same as before the earthquake hit. This is peak tourist season in Sichuan. And Shanghai residents can book 4- and 5-day trips to the first batch of re-opened tourist sites, like Chengdu City and the Bamboo Forest.

Travel agencies say tour prices are expected to remain the same or just slightly lower than before the earthquake, ranging from 2,200 to 2,500 yuan. To attract tourists, they will also consider taking small tour groups of 10 people. Before the quake, groups had to have at least 20 people.

Yuan midpoint breaks 6.9 against USD

China's central bank set the mid-point of yuan's exchange rate against the dollar at 6.8919 on Tuesday. It's the strongest rate since the currency was revalued in July 2005.

And it's the first time the yuan's exchange rate has broken the 6.9 level against the greenback. The yuan has now appreciated 17.67 percent since it was revalued by 2.1 percent to 8.11 per dollar 3 years ago. The yuan's traded peak since it was floated was 6.9004, which was hit this Monday.