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
As the whole country is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China with various events, many are reflecting on the changes that have unfolded in their daily life over the past decades.
A young girl who benefited from the government's education aid program said thanks to all those practical and targeted measures, her hometown is taking on a brand-new look.
"The polices on rural revitalization, poverty alleviation, teaching, agriculture, medical service and the Go West program have all make education in Xinjiang better. Take myself as an example. I benefited from the teaching service program. In addition, we are now living in new homes. All these policies have tangibly improved my life and the happiness index is steadily rising," said Wang Can, a tourist from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, who visited Beijing during the National Day holiday.
As the life quality ascends steadily for the people of China, a growing number of people now revel in the newfound ease of traversing the country's diverse landscapes. What was once an inconceivable notion in bygone eras has become a tangible reality.
"Before I used to doubt whether I would have the opportunity and the money to travel when I saw beautiful scenery on TV. Now it is easy for us to travel to everywhere. We can even drive ourselves, more convenient," said Yang Guang, a tourist.
China's unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and ecological conservation has borne fruit, with once barren lands now blossoming into vibrant gardens.
"The most noticeable change for me is the transformation of the whole Erenhot City. When I was young, it seemed barren, with sand everywhere. But now, stepping outside, lush greenery and colorful flowers line the streets. This change, to me, is the most striking," said Yue Lin, a local resident.
The changes go beyond that. Many folks happily share how modern tech in their daily life has brought them the fun perks of innovation.
"Before it wasn't as convenient for us to go out. Now, it's truly easy with smart phones and navigation. We are enjoying the fruits of modern civilization. Back then, going out was like stumbling in the dark, quite troublesome. This feeling is particularly profound," said Zhang Jun, a traveler.
The upgraded infrastructure is another key aspect that garners widespread praise.
"I recently went on a road trip starting from Shenzhen City, circling through the provinces of Jiangxi, Hunan and Hubei. I was amazed by China's excellent infrastructure. Even in the most remote villages in Jiangxi, the road conditions are great. It was fascinating to see them harnessing wind power on the mountains, both practical and picturesque," said Zhang Yuguo, a resident in Shenzhen City.
Chinese people share stories of progress in past decades
