A team led by Liu Xincheng, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), visited Henan and Shandong provinces from June 10 to 16 amid efforts to promote the building of a national cultural park centered on the Yellow River.

The team did field studies at waterways, water conservancy projects, heritage sites and ecological corridors in several cities in the two provinces. It also held meetings with local authorities to learn about the initiative's progress and collect suggestions.

Liu, also executive vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy, said the initiative is an essential part of promoting the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin, a major national strategy, and also helps strengthen the sense of community for the Chinese nation and cultural confidence.

Efforts are needed to enhance top-level design, fully mobilize efforts at the local level, and constantly innovate their development approach, according to Liu.

The research visit is part of the preparation for a teleseminar by the CPPCC National Committee scheduled for this September.