In 2024, there were 312 enterprises in the cultural and tourism industry and related industries. The city received 64,427,900 tourists and realized a total tourism revenue of RMB60.85 billion, up 10.36% and 13.78% year on year. The city is home to 63 tourist attractions rated A level and above, including 18 4A-rated tourist attractions; one national demonstration base for the integration of culture and technology; one national nighttime culture and tourism consumption cluster; three key national rural tourism villages; one national tourism and leisure block; four provincial tourism resorts; four industrial tourism demonstration sites at the provincial level; and 54 5-star rural tourism areas (sites).

At present, Huaihua is going all out to host the Fifth Hunan Tourism Development Conference, foster new scenarios and new business forms centering around the Wushui River, develop cultural and tourism projects including the Tianwen Island (Qu Yuan Cultural Park), Yushu Bay Cultural and Tourism Commercial Complex, and ASEAN Fair, and coordinate the development of projects such as the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Zone in Huaihua International Land Port Economic Development Zone, Huaihua Intelligent Cultural and Tourism Service Center, Huaihua Museum, Huaihua Library, and Huaihua Grand Theater.

Key enterprises: Huaihua Cultural, Tourism and Sports Development Investment Group, Hunan Xuefengshan Ecological and Cultural Tourism Co., Ltd., Huatai Phoenix International Hotel, Wyndham Huaihua South, Crowne Plaza of IHG, Tancheng Landscape Culture Tourism Co., Ltd., and Tongdao Danxia Cultural Industry Development Co., Ltd.

Development priorities:

1. “One core and one hub”: The Huaihua tourism triangle consisting of the Anjiang Agricultural School Hybrid Rice Memorial Park, Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City, and Qianyang Ancient Town and the cultural and tourism consumption hub focusing on the integrated development of Hecheng District and Zhongfang County.

2. “Four routes and multiple spots”: East route—Gorgeous Xuefeng Mountain Tour; west route—Hot Spring Leisure & Wellness Tour; south route—Dong and Miao Folk Tour; north route: Academy Culture Tour.

 Huayao terrace on the back of the mountain

(1)                         (2)                        (3)

(1) Anjiang Agricultural School Hybrid Rice Memorial Park  (2) Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City   (3) Gaomiao Ruins Museum

（Translated by Professor Yu Jie）