“Tourism Boom Effect” in full swing as Huaihua sees an explosion of visitors on the 1st day of the dual holiday
Huaihua's tourism market saw a robust start on the first day of the National Day Golden Week. Following the recent tourism development conference, major attractions were bustling with visitors, while highway traffic volume rose significantly compared to that of last year. Around the clock, across both natural and cultural attractions, a festive atmosphere prevailed, showcasing the special and unique appeal of this blessed region.
Statistically speaking, as of 8:00 PM on October 1, the 62 tourist areas under city-wide monitoring had received 188,200 visitor trips, an increase of 88.5% compared to that of the same period last year. This is a great indicator of a full release of cultural and tourism consumption vitality. Transportation data further corroborated Huaihua's tourism boom. On that day, the number of vehicles entering Huaihua reached 71,800, surging 68% year-on-year, as a large number of out-of-town tourists and returning locals poured into the city via the 22 expressways.
Multiple unique scenic spots became popular must-see destinations for tourists, with their varied activities captivating visitors. The Yushuwan Cultural-Tourism-Commercial Complex started receiving tourists from the morning; acrobats performed special skills such as "Pole Climbing" and "Foot Juggling," which attracted significant attention. In the Chenzhou Mining Gold Culture Exhibition Hall, visitors learned about the history and knowledge of gold up close and even touched the displayed "gold brick". All these novel experiences made the hall exceptionally lively.
The Huaihua ASEAN Fair ignited a holiday boom by blending exotic charm with distinctive consumption. Inside the park, colorful tourist trains weaved through the area, with landscape bridges harmonizing alongside Southeast Asian-style architecture. During the National Day period, the fair also feasted a gourmet feast. The aromatic delights of Tom Yum Goong, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Vietnamese spring rolls allowed residents to savor authentic flavors without going abroad, enabling them to experience the cultural fusion between Huaihua and ASEAN nations.
Against the night sky backdrop, the statue of Qu Yuan on Tianwen Island stood tall and clear. High-speed trains whistled by on the nearby viaduct and the Huaihua International Land Port ASEAN Fair glowed with colorful lights, rendering this blessed land a seamless blend of profound history and modern technology along the Wushui River. This brilliant nightscape attracted a massive influx of visitors, causing significant congestion on Longping Avenue, Yanhe Road, and around the Land Port Bridge near key attractions. All nearby parking lots reached full capacity. Order was maintained thanks to the coordinated efforts of traffic police on the scene, who ensured smooth passage for both vehicles and pedestrians.
The Hemingzhou Scenic Area was equally captivating after dark. At 8:00 p.m., the Taiping River banks were aglow with flowing lights, and the Guanhe Pavilion was illuminated with lively projections. As the "Crane's Call, Blessed Land" water screen film was broadcast, the area echoed with continuous cheers and exclamations of amazement. Immersed in the unique cultural appeal of Huaihua, citizens and tourists alike captured the dazzling moments with their phones.
However, Jingping Ancient Village in Zhongfang County retained tourists by offering a mix of its historic autumn views and popular modern experiences. A tea shop that went viral online was packed up with visitors, with bright national flags adding splashes of color to the ancient architectural backdrop. "Business exploded on the very first holiday day," said shop owner He Rongfeng, who was constantly on the move. "We've been swamped from morning to night, and earnings have increased several-fold compared to before!"
Additionally, the Huangdu Dong Cultural Village launched innovative activities like the "Dong Village Themed Role-Playing Tour" and "Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences." These initiatives made it possible for visitors to plunge themselves in the unique charm of Dong ethnic culture. This distinctive tourism format, in particular, garnered widespread acclaim.
The National Day holiday also provided a perfect opportunity for returnees to witness the changes in their hometown. Many Huaihua natives working elsewhere noted they have frequently seen the new cultural and tourism landscape of their hometown via their phones. This time, they made a point of visiting spots like Yushuwan, the ASEAN Fair, and Jingping Ancient Village in person. "Both the facilities and the cultural experiences have improved tremendously," said Tang Hua, one returnee whose sentiment resonated with many. "Our hometown is developing so well—I'm truly proud of it!"
The Huaihua Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio, and Sports revealed that over 100 unique cultural and tourism events have been scheduled throughout the holiday period. They are designed to gather visitors on this blessed land who could celebrate the National Day and create unforgettable memories. As the holiday continues, the city's tourism market is expected to experience a new boom, offering even more wonderful experiences for all.
（Translated by Dong Yue）