This National Day holiday has witnessed a surge in tourism, not only in major cities but also in small counties, with travel orders in these areas increasing by 20 percent, according to data from an online tourism platform.
In contrast to the "special forces-style travel," which emphasizes quick stops at multiple attractions and hurriedly sampling street food before racing to the next Instagrammable location, tourism in counties offers a slower, more leisurely pace, attracting visitors seeking relaxation.
The counties surrounding central cities and renowned tourist attractions benefit from abundant natural resources, convenient transportation, and better infrastructure.
In Zhengding Ancient City of north China's Hebei Province, tourists are flocking to popular spots to appreciate the autumn sunset against the backdrop of grand ancient buildings. Local authorities have further engaged visitors by staging performances that reflect the area's rich culture. As night falls, tourists enjoy immersive interactions with live performances and holographic laser projections.
"Upon arrival at Zhengding, I was pleasantly surprised by how it exceeded my expectations. The blend of history and culture is truly captivating," said a tourist.
In Jixian County of Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, the Qixingshan National Forest Park fascinates visitors with its stunning natural landscapes and rich ecological resources. People revel in the tranquility of nature while enjoying outdoor camping. The county boasts a 98 percent forest coverage and rich biodiversity, making it a prime attraction.
"This journey at Qixingshan has allowed me to relax completely," said another tourist.
Traveling to small counties and towns is becoming increasingly popular due to their uniqueness and compelling stories. By offering cost-effective experiences and with improved infrastructure and accommodations, these emerging tourist destinations will continue to enhance the quality and variety of tourism products and service, fueling a growing interest among travelers.
The National Day holiday, which runs from October 1 to 7, marks a peak season for travel and tourism in China.
Tourism in small counties blooms as travelers seek local specialties, serenity
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
