It`s not just historical figures who are strategic assets for counties lagging in China`s economic rise. Fictional characters and places, too, are subjects of competition.

Several towns have been squabbling to claim Ximen Qing, an adulterous murderer from a 16th century erotic novel (The Plum in the Golden Vase), and Pan Jinlian, Ximen`s confederate and his fifth concubine.

Yanggu county of Shandong province seems to be in the lead. In April, it completed a renovation of a tourist zone. Visitors "played Ximen`s part" in short, organized plays , according to a local newspaper.

Hu yinan