China's Xizang launches winter tourism promotional campaign to boost off-peak travel

Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region launched its 2024 winter tourism promotional campaign on Friday, featuring discounted tickets, hotel vouchers, and free entry to tourist attractions to attract more tourists during the off-peak season.

As part of the "Winter Tour in Xizang" campaign, Xizang is offering 10,000 domestic flight tickets in a "buy one, get one free" deal through a lucky draw. Meanwhile, 10,000 free domestic train tickets are being provided, along with complimentary tickets to tourist hotspots and vouchers for free accommodation in high-quality hotels.

Besides, consumption vouchers tailored for family tours and senior travelers have also been introduced.

In addition, A-rated tourist sites are offering free admission. Three-star and higher hotels, boutique inns, restaurants, and international brands are providing off-peak season rates. The passenger transport prices set by tourist transport companies do not exceed 50 percent of the peak season rates.

The "Winter Tour in Xizang" campaign, now in its seventh year since 2017, aims to sustain steady tourism growth year-round, with the current round of promotions running until March 15, 2025, as announced during a launch event held in Lhasa, the regional capital, on Friday.

During the event, the regional culture and tourism department signed cooperation agreements with several other Chinese provinces and cities. Local travel operators also forged partnerships with international tour operators from countries such as Australia, Thailand, and Germany.

Home to the highest peak on Earth, Xizang boasts abundant tourism resources, including breathtaking mountains and rivers, vast grasslands and forests, and a profound ethnic heritage.

In 2023, Xizang welcomed 55.17 million tourists, marking an 83.7-percent increase year on year, and generated a total tourism revenue of 65.15 billion yuan (around 9.17 billion U.S. dollars), up 60 percent from the previous year.

China's Xizang launches winter tourism promotional campaign to boost off-peak travel

Farmers across China have been reaping a bountiful harvest, with over 70 percent of the country's grain crops already collected, according to recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Bobai County of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is known for its hybrid rice seed production. Currently, over 40,000 mu (2,667 hectares) of rice for seed production is gradually maturing. Such rice is usually collected at 80 percent maturity before getting dried and the plump grains are selected as rice seeds to ensure high germination rates.

"Our rice seed production is based on orders with seeds sold on a fixed basis. Both the prices and market outlets are stable, ensuring a reliable market," said Li Minhui, a local rice seed producer. According to the Guangxi Agricultural Department, the total rice planting area in the region has exceeded 26.58 million mu (1.77 million hectares) this year, with harvesting anticipated to finish by mid-November. Notably, the mechanization rate for rice production has increased to 85.2 percent, an improvement from last year.

Also witnessing a good harvest is Pizhuang Town in east China's Shandong Province, with 26,000 mu (1,733 hectares) of rice fields producing excellent yields.

"This year, I planted more than 50 hectares of rice. Last night, I arranged for several more harvesters to join us in order to secure every grain of rice," stated Yang Baoping, head of a local rice cooperative.

Historically known for its challenges with flooding, Pizhuang has shifted its agricultural focus from wheat toward rice cultivation, adapting to its unique landscape. This year's autumn harvest is expected to be completed by October 24.

China sees good autumn harvest with grain collection exceeding 70 percent