VALORIE EVERSOLE - Daily Union Staff Writer
Shelbyville and the lake area may become part of a tourism package offered by travel agents in China.
Two Chinese travel agents visited Shelbyville Wednesday and Thursday as part of a two-week visit to Illinois. They spent time in Chicago before coming to Central Illinois and will continue their visit to the southern parts of the state.
Zhang Xinyu and Zhao Li Hua work for the Shenyang Youth International Travel Service and Shenyang Overseas International Travel Service of Shenyang, China. As they travel in the U.S., they use the names Susan and Amy, respectively. They were assisted by Hannah Wilkins and Ashleigh Brinkman of the Central Illinois Tourism Development Office in Springfield.
“Chicago is our sister city,” Susan said. “The people in Chicago are very friendly. The city has a lot of very beautiful spots. I think the Chinese people will like it.”
“I like the big city - Chicago the most,” Amy said. “I like to shop.”
Shenyang, the capital city of the Liaoning province, has a population of 7 million, making it comparable to metropolitan Chicago. But they found that the rest of Illinois has plenty to offer foreign visitors.
“Some people like small towns,” Susan said. “Small towns are very special. The people are kind and friendly.”
Susan and Amy said they were impressed with Lake Shelbyville.
“This lake is very beautiful,” Susan said.
Amy and Susan were given a guided tour of Shelbyville and the lake by Shelby County Tourism Office Director Freddie Fry. Some of the places toured included the Lithia Springs Marina, Lake Shelbyville Visitors’ Center, the Shelby County Community Services greenhouses, and the Roxy Theatre where they viewed videos about the area and watched “Meet the Robinsons”, and shopping at Wal-Mart.
“Oh yes, Wal-Mart,” Susan said nodding.
They stayed at the newly reopened Country Charm Bed & Breakfast in Shelbyville Wednesday night.
“The Bed & Breakfast is like in my home,” Susan said. “I miss my home, but here I don’t miss it so much.”
While in the United States, Susan and Amy get to try different things in each of the areas they visit. They have been on biking trails and hiking as well as going to different tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping malls.
In the past Susan and Amy have visited other cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Hawaii. They also visit cities in other countries to help them recommend trips to their customers.
Wilkins and Brinkman will be taking Susan and Amy to Champaign, Springfield, the Amish area near Arthur, and Tuscola as part of their tour of Central Illinois.
Susan said they were excited about visiting the Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield. She added that they already know a lot about our 16th President.
“We will encourage people to spend a couple of weeks in Illinois,” Amy said.
