Chongqing - On May 6th, Zhang Jiawen, a travel anchor from Shanghai, found herself fully absorbed in capturing the perfect shots of her envisioned masterpiece. The fragrance of countless blossoms surrounded her as she listened to the ebb and flow of the Jialing River and witnessed the sunrise atop Geleshan Mountain. This captivating scene unfolded in Chongqing's picturesque Jinhaiwan Park.
Citizens camped on the lawn in Jinhaiwan Riverside Park in the Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui)
As a travel anchor, Zhang Jiawen arrived in Chongqing on the first day of the May Day holiday, sharing the city's bustling atmosphere, enchanting night views, and crowds of people on social media. However, she chose to extend her stay after realizing that Chongqing's formula for viral tourism success not only lies in its mesmerizing nightscapes, hot pot culture, and immersive 8D experiences but also in its distinctive fusion of urban life and scenic attractions.
"Chongqing is truly magical. It's a city that stands out with a remarkable integration of urban elements and natural beauty, making it highly recognizable," said Zhang Jiawen. Like most tourists, she initially visited popular attractions such as Hongyadong, the Yangtze River Cableway, the Liziba Monorail train station, and Nanbin Road. She found herself deeply impressed and captivated by the seamless blending of mountains, rivers, bridges, the city, the sky, and dazzling lights, which together formed an organic and harmonious whole.
During the May Day holiday, tourists enjoyed the night scenery of Hongya Cave in Jiangbeizui Riverside Park in Jiangbei District. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui)
Zhang Jiawen was not alone in her awe of Chongqing. According to data from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, urban tourism has been thriving, particularly during the May Day holiday. Ciqikou Ancient Town welcomed 737,900 visitors, while Hongyadong Scenic Area received 519,100.
After a few days of filming, Zhang Jiawen quickly discovered that Chongqing's tourism success was more complex than initially apparent. Here, the boundaries between scenic areas and communities blur. The city and scenery intertwine, allowing residents and visitors to share the same space and immerse themselves in vibrant local life and authentic experiences.
Zhang Jiawen's observations unveiled a deeper rationale behind Chongqing's tourism boom—a fusion of landscapes and scenes, where the city capitalizes on the opportunity to provide a modern, all-encompassing, and inclusive tourism experience for all ages.
Urban parks in Chongqing witness the city's transformation and represent its citizens' collective memory. They also offer tourists an excellent window into the city's charm. From May 3rd, Zhang Jiawen turned her lens toward Chongqing's urban parks, capturing shots of Jiangbei Riverside Park, Yuzhong District's Eling Park, and Jinhaiwan Park in the Liangjiang New Area.
"These parks have left me as awe-struck as Chongqing's night views. They are not just regular parks but highly developed scenic areas, fully accessible and engaging," said Zhang Jiawen. She noted that these parks are beautifully designed and function like tourist attractions, hosting concerts, kite festivals, open-air poetry readings, art carnivals, and other activities that blur the boundary between locals and visitors, perfectly catering to people's desire for scenic beauty and a vibrant lifestyle.
Chongqing today is a city where scenic beauty is abundant, and leisure is readily available. Jiangbei's Ninth Street, in particular, has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The lively district boasts numerous trendy restaurants, theme bars, and entertainment venues, offering diverse experiences for all ages. With an average of over 60,000 visitors during peak times, the area has become a paradise for urbanites seeking respite from the daily grind.
Meanwhile, Nanbin Road provides panoramic views of the city's stunning natural landscape, including the majestic mountains and the meandering river that runs through the city center. Whether you're looking to explore local landmarks, visit parks and gardens, or indulge in cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in this bustling district.
Focusing on quality and diversity, Chongqing aims to provide visitors with a range of high-quality experiences catering to various tastes and preferences. From outdoor spaces to cultural institutions, the city is committed to creating a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that promotes sustainable development and community integration.
According to local tourism expert Dai Bin, the development of natural and cultural scenic areas and high-end vacation resorts is a priority for the city. Optimizing existing assets in the city's urban renewal process and integrating cultural, leisure, and tourism projects into local communities and scenic areas will further enhance Chongqing's appeal.
Chongqing is concentrating on creating a new space for shared experiences where scenery and activities complement each other. With the city's renewed focus on tourism, the hope is to attract even more visitors and continue to drive the growth of the modern tourism industry.