BEIJING — China will build national cultural demonstration zones to serve as a driving force for cultural development, announced the Ministry of Culture on Oct 20.

The first batch of ten zones include the Chengde Mountain Resort in North China’s Hebei province, Beijing Road Culture-Oriented Core Area in southern Guangdong province and Whitehorse Lake Creative Eco-City in eastern Zhejiang province.

The zones will be named “national cultural demonstration zones” after examinations in three years’ time, said the ministry.

The zones feature industries ranging from tourism, fine arts and entertainment to design and animation.

The ministry will ensure the zones are influential platforms for cultural, scientific and technological innovation.