From Grasslands and Deserts to Ancient Gardens: Experiential Offerings Energize China's Summer Tourism Market

This summer, a variety of cultural tourism offerings—ranging from ecological excursions and museum experiences to nighttime sightseeing—are heating up the consumer market during the vacation season across China.

When it comes to natural getaways, Arxan in Inner Mongolia has been drawing attention. In July, the cool breeze amidst the lush forests attracted up to 60,000 visitors per day. Self-driving trips are proving popular in Xinjiang, where travelers are exploring daily life in ancient villages along the Ahe Road and riding horses through birch forests. In Benxi, Liaoning Province, unique summer activities such as rollercoasters in the woods, glass-bottom kayak bridges, and tours of lava cave stalactites are being offered to beat the heat.

Museum and science center visits are also booming. At the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum, hands-on programs such as building dome structures and folding paper airplanes are especially popular. The 'Tianwen – A Cosmic View of Chinese Civilization' exhibition at the Anhui Museum features nearly 300 items, from ancient astronomical observation devices to moon soil samples and a model of the Yutu lunar rover, impressing young visitors in particular. At the Three Gorges Dam Museum in Yichang, Hubei Province, programs offer experiences with 3D landscapes and interactive simulations that demonstrate how the dam operates.

Night tourism is also emerging as a new trend. In Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, lantern parades and floating markets have transformed the ancient gardens into immersive nighttime experiences. In Kaifeng, Henan Province, a nighttime waterway route along the Bianhe River now attracts visitors with boat rides and live water performances.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.