Recently, the China Tourism Academy (Data Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism) and a Chinese online travel platform jointly released their "Report on Tourism Research on Charming Small Cities in China," listing the "Top 100 Domestic Small Cities Worth Visiting." Hunan's Liling City in Zhuzhou, Huayuan County in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, and Liuyang City in Changsha were shortlisted. These destinations featured a variety of themes, including cultural wonders and leisure.

Domestic and international guests gather at the Liuyang Sky Theater to enjoy a dazzling fireworks display. (Photo/Deng Xialin)

Tourists take a boat tour at Biancheng Town in Huayuan County. (Photo/Tong Di)

China Ceramics Valley in Liling. (Photo/Tong Di)

The China Tourism Academy (Data Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism) and the Chinese online travel platform conducted a collaborative research project on tourism development in China's charming small cities. Based on user preference data from the travel platform, the study conducted an in-depth analysis and evaluation of 100 domestic small cities worth visiting, focusing on six features most favored by travelers: ancient architecture, historical culture, intangible cultural heritage and folk customs, culinary delights, natural or cultural wonders, and leisure experiences. The research explored the reasons why young travelers are keen to go to these destinations while showcasing their unique charm and cultural heritage. The initiative aims to provide younger generations with diversified travel options, to create more opportunities for small cities that have not yet been fully developed, and to jointly explore innovative approaches and methodologies for the development of tourist destinations in the new era.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: Voice of Hunan