XI'AN, July 4 -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has urged greater efforts to develop elderly care programs and industries, while expanding the cultural tourism sector.

Shen made the remarks during an investigation and research tour in northwest China's Shaanxi Province from Thursday to Saturday this week.

Noting the vast potential of the silver economy, Shen called for efforts to expand the supply of products and services that meet the diverse needs of seniors.

Shen also called for faster development of a multi-tiered elderly care service system that is inclusive, accessible and sustainable, covering both urban and rural areas, while fostering new consumption scenarios and business models to turn the challenges of population aging into new opportunities and drivers for economic growth.

Regarding cultural tourism, Shen urged better use of local cultural and tourism resources, further tapping the distinctive appeal of traditional festivals and folk customs, and introducing more high-quality cultural products and tourism routes.