Zhengding County in north China's Hebei Province is enchanting an increasing number of global visitors through its rich cultural heritage and iconic temples.
This summer, Zhengding, a historic town just a three-hour drive from Beijing, has seen a significant rise in domestic and international tourists, with cultural tourism bookings surging by 62.7 percent compared to last year.
The small county is making waves globally by connecting cultures and transforming its ancient charm into a cosmopolitan appeal.
Azerbaijani tourist Vusal Guliyev is captivated by the intricate architecture and solemn cultural atmosphere of Longxing Temple in the county.
"Recently I heard that there is a very famous computer game which is called Black Myth: Wukong. Also after that I have been to many places, trying to visit these kinds of temples. I have been in China for many years, so I really like Chinese history. And I also feel very proud that China has such unique traditional historical sites," he said.
Ten years ago, Guliyev came to China to study, pursuing his education from undergraduate to doctoral level. The longer he stayed, the more he fell in love with Chinese culture. After graduation, he and his wife chose to stay and teach at their university. They often explore nearby towns during holidays. "We already visited around and there are even subway stations which pass through Zhengding and the main airport of this region is located in Zhengding. So in an economic perspective, it's also one of the important regions for the whole Hebei," he said. In addition to Zhengding's temples and immersive cultural experiences, Rongguo Mansion in the county - originally a filming location for the 1987 version of "Dream of the Red Chamber" - has been transformed into a venue offering captivating night tours.
North China county attracts global visitors with rich cultural heritage
