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
Clashes between Israel and Hamas have not subsided since the conflict began last October, and in recent days the violence has escalated in many places including Tulkarm in the northern West Bank and Jerusalem.
On Thursday, Israel expanded its military operations with an airstrike by an Israeli F-16 fighter jet, targeting a coffee shop in Tulkarm.
This marks the first time in two decades that Israel has used a warplane in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that 18 Palestinians, including children, were killed in the airstrike, marking the deadliest attack in the West Bank in years.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrike was targeting Zahi Yaser Abd al-Razeq Oufi, head of the Hamas network in Tulkarm in the West Bank.
"For the first time, F-16 warplanes are bombing civilians here. And here we are, as you see, an area crowded with people. This is a genocide. The occupation does not differentiate between civilian and armed people. We are no different from Gaza and Lebanon, and here we are now, sharing their suffering and woes," said Yousuf Ghorab, a Palestinian resident of Tulkarm.
"What we see in Lebanon and in Gaza is happening now to us in Tulkarm. The occupation cannot confront us face to face, so it uses airplanes to bomb civilians. Praise be to God, may God have mercy on the martyrs. We remain steadfast in place, and we say to the enemy that we will not retreat. There is no plan to retreat. We remain steadfast in place," said a resistance fighter.
On Friday, Israeli police attacked worshipers at Bab al-Asbat, also known as the Lions' Gate, one of the entrances to Al-Aqsa Mosque, preventing some from reaching the mosque.
The site is known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as their third holiest site.
Police beat the worshipers and fired tear gas, resulting in several injuries and the dispersal of people inside the mosque.
"This occupation seeks to implement the fascist government's program called the decisive program, which is the program of annexation, deportation, killing, and imprisonment. Therefore, this occupation carries out its crimes in a systematic manner, destroying infrastructure, destroying the Palestinian national economy, impoverishing the people, and destroying homes," said Helmi AlAraj, director of the Defending Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Center, an independent Palestinian non-governmental organization.
Violence escalates as Israeli fighter jets bomb West Bank, police clash with worshipers in Jerusalem
