In a recent interview with officials from the Wuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Sports and Tourism, insights were shared about the city’s ambitious plans for the National Day holiday in 2024. The bureau is set on enhancing the cultural and tourism experience through a “Culture + Tourism” strategy, which aims to create new, multi-dimensional consumption scenarios and diverse tourism formats to drive sustainable growth in this sector.
From October 1 to 7, Wuzhou recorded around 3.635 million visitors, reflecting a remarkable 21.26% increase from the previous year. This surge in tourism generated a total revenue of 2.617 billion yuan, which is up 19.12% compared to 2023.
During this peak travel week, the bureau organized a range of exciting events themed “Celebrate National Day and Explore Wuzhou” at the Qiloucheng area. These initiatives drew large crowds and created an energetic atmosphere. The celebrations featured a variety of immersive activities, including pop-up events, garden fairs, Hanfu parades, and markets showcasing intangible cultural heritage, all aimed at providing tourists with a rich cultural experience.
To tap into the holiday economy, Wuzhou has launched 22 promotional activities across various attractions, star-rated hotels, and guesthouses, aiming to unlock the full potential of travel spending.
The city is also integrating culture, sports, and tourism to offer visitors new experiences. Local institutions, including museums, libraries, art galleries, and cultural centers, are hosting 18 unique cultural events, such as performances of endangered local theatrical forms and DIY creative workshops. Moreover, sports events like the “Dreams Come True” youth football exchange tournament and a city-wide dance competition promote the “Explore Wuzhou Through Sports” initiative.
Wuzhou has tailored three exquisite tourism routes based on visitor interests, focusing on themes such as red culture, Liubao tea, and local cuisine. Key destinations for sightseeing include Qiloucheng, the Xijiang Mingzhu Tower at Baiyun Mountain, and the rural tourism area of Sizhou Island.
To improve the shopping experience, major commercial districts, including Wanda and Sunshine 100 Sanqi City, have been upgraded to better cater to diverse visitor needs for dining, accommodation, and entertainment. Notably, nighttime activities at locations like the Shuiyuntian Night Market have seen a significant boost in visitors.
Additionally, Wuzhou is eager to showcase its rural landscapes, agricultural activities, and local culture, providing immersive rural tourism experiences that marry agriculture with cultural exploration.
