Tourists can now enjoy trips free from the hassle of carrying too much luggage thanks to an innovative luggage delivery service in Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, which allows them and their heavy bags to travel separately during their journeys.
As a demonstration case for integration of transport and tourism, Hangzhou last year launched "Easy Go Luggage Delivery," a service that allows travelers to effortlessly send their luggage between the railway station, hotel, and scenic spots with just a click on their phone. This seamless service is quickly becoming a favorite among tourists eager to enjoy their trip without the burden of hauling luggage around.
"Nowadays, tourists often carry a lot of luggage during their trips, which can be quite cumbersome. It's convenient to deposit luggage, so I don't need to bring so much with me. I just need to carry a small bag. It's easier," said Zhang Feng, a tourist from Jiangxi Province in east China.
At a service center in Hangzhou East Railway Station, tourists simply place an order via their phone, provide the required information, and drop off their luggage at the service desk. From there, delivery staff transport the luggage to its destination.
"After tourists hand over their luggage, we deliver it directly to their hotel. They can visit scenic spots and return to their hotel afterward, where their luggage will already be waiting in the lobby," said Zhang Shenglian, a member of the luggage delivery staff.
At present, Hangzhou sets up 117 luggage storage points, opens 12 luggage delivery routes. More than 40 hotels have got involved in the service scheme.
"Currently, our luggage storage and delivery service system covers numerous scenic spots, hotels, business districts, and transportation hubs. Tourists' luggage can be sent between various locations much like express delivery, saving valuable time for travelers," said Tang Jian, a staff member at the Hangzhou Culture and Tourism Development Center.
In addition, luggage storage lockers have been installed at various transportation hubs, scenic spots, and business districts throughout the city, allowing tourists to free their hands during their trips.
Hangzhou's luggage delivery service ensures hassle-free trips for travelers
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
