Chinese cities are finding niches to attract foreign tourists.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Shenyang, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) — Beijing resident Dong Xihan decided to spend her recent holiday weekend not in the popular metropolis, but wandering around museums in Chaoyang City (Liaoning Province, Northeast China).

From dinosaur fossils dating back hundreds of millions of years to the "jade pig-dragon" – a special artifact from the Hongshan culture dating back approximately 5,000-6,000 years – Chaoyang's glorious history and culture are carefully preserved in museums of all sizes scattered throughout the city.

This year, Chaoyang launched museum-themed tourist routes based on immersive experiences, such as the Cretaceous Treasure Hunt and cultural tours, which have become a hit among travelers from Beijing, Hebei Province (North China), and other parts of the country.

"Our family has a great passion for history and culture," said Dong Xihan. "We've already visited Shanxi Province (in Northern China) to explore its ancient architecture, and we've also traveled to Shaanxi Province (in Northwest China) to study its cultural relics."

“As more travelers seek personalized and in-depth experiences, China’s domestic tourism market is becoming increasingly segmented,” said Wang Xiaoyu, a specially appointed expert at the World Tourism Cities Federation.

“Unique cultural symbols – whether museums, snow landscapes, ceramics or ancient architecture – can be used to create tailored attractions for specific tourist groups,” he added.

For foreign tourists, China is transforming from a once-in-a-lifetime destination into a modern, diverse, and dynamic attraction that makes them want to return again and again.

The city of Yiwu in eastern China's Zhejiang Province, popularly known as the "world's supermarket," cultivates a unique form of shopping tourism, capitalizing on the appeal of its wholesale market. It has gained popularity among Chinese tourists and is increasingly becoming a gateway for foreign visitors seeking an authentic Chinese experience.

Data shows that Yiwu hotels accommodated 11,400 foreign guests during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiujie) holiday this month, up 37.62 percent from the same period a year earlier.

In addition to China's constantly optimizing visa-free policy, local authorities are using differentiated competition, strategically planning and developing unique tourism industries to attract foreign tourists.

For example, by leveraging international social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Chinese cities are now directly demonstrating their unique appeal to global target audiences.

Jingdezhen, the eastern Chinese city dubbed the "Porcelain Capital of the World," has launched several international social media accounts. Its authorities have invited international influencers to collaborate on content showcasing the city's daily life while promoting Chinese ceramic art and culture.

During China's National Day, Jingdezhen launched a "Ceramic Heritage Tour." Designed specifically for domestic and international tourists, it introduces them to the cultural landmarks of the porcelain industry and major museums, allowing them to delve into the history of ceramic culture.

Many visitors also tried their hand at production processes such as pottery and ceramic painting.

"Jingdezhen has a very vibrant cultural atmosphere. Both the shopkeepers and tourists here are passionate about art. There's a powerful, infectious creative energy here," noted Asatsuki, a tourist who previously worked as an artist in Japan and the UK.

Moreover, to enhance their international appeal, local authorities are no longer limiting themselves to developing specific tourism based on historical culture and industrial economics. Instead, they are actively expanding their reach, incorporating new areas such as outdoor adventure tourism and in-depth themed experiences.

Capitalizing on its abundant island resources, Changhai County in Dalian, Liaoning Province, Northeast China, hosted a large-scale sea fishing competition and introduced China's first mini-app for fishing services. This initiative has transformed the county into a hot destination for fishing enthusiasts from around the world, with groups from Russia, Egypt, Spain, Italy, and Hungary already visiting this year.

Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, renowned for its barbecue and northeastern Chinese cuisine, has been actively developing its culinary tourism in recent years. City officials have launched the "Taste of Shenyang" map and an international version of its guide, which systematically consolidate a wide range of authentic local food resources to provide incoming tourists with a ready-made travel strategy.

After a fascinating culinary journey through Shenyang this past August, Hiroto Uchida from Japan declared, "I really enjoy Shenyang cuisine. Every bite is filled with extraordinary flavor. The delicacies here are worth coming here and trying for yourself." -0-

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