Daming, an ancient county in north China's Hebei Province, has witnessed a surge in tourist inflow so far in the week-long National Day holiday which started on October 1, fueled by a thriving night-time economy featuring a diverse range of attractions from dazzling light shows to bustling night markets.
As the night unfolded, the Daming Stone Carving Museum would be packed with visitors eager to see a spectacular light display. When the clock strikes seven, buildings inside the complex would be illuminated with stunning light beams, eliciting cheers from the delighted crowds.
Outside the museum, the cultural district would be buzzing with visitors strolling beneath glowing red lanterns. Nearby, the night market captivates tourists with stalls offering unique local delicacies and traditional crafts as well as interactive games and live performances.
"We just watched an immersive cultural performance, and it was fantastic. We learned about history while enjoying the beautiful scenery, and the lighting here is truly gorgeous," said He Yudi, a tourist.
Daming and local characters hold a prominent place in classic Chinese novel series "Outlaws of the Marsh," inspiring the tourism department to develop cultural projects rooted in this renowned literary work which tells the story of 108 outlaws who band together in the Liangshan Marsh to fight against corruption and injustice in the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
"We have taken various measures to attract more tourists, such as issuing consumption coupons and organizing cultural activities that integrate the 'Outlaws of the Marsh' elements and immersive experiences," said Ma Rui, the night market operation manager.
Official data showed that Daming County received a daily average of more than 300,000 tourist visits during the first three days of the National Day holiday.
Vibrant night economy sparks tourism boom in Chinese county during National Day holiday
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
