Fan Zhendong and Sun Yingsha of China won the men's and women's singles titles, respectively, at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Chongqing Champions in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on June 3. After the competition, they visited Xiliutuo Town in Banan District, Chongqing.

On the evening of June 3, the women's singles champion of the 2024 WTT Chongqing Champions, Sun Yingsha, and the men's singles champion, Fan Zhendong, visited Xiliutuo Town in Banan District, Chongqing, holding their trophies and taking publicity photos of the champion city. (Photo/Ba'nan District)

Earlier, some athletes participating in the "WTT Chongqing Champions Tournament 2024" visited Xiliutuo Ancient Town in Banan to experience its unique culture. On June 2, four table tennis players, including China's Xiang Peng and He Zhuojia, the USA's Lily Zhang, and Germany's Nina Mittelham, toured the ancient town, watched Sichuan opera face-changing and suona performances, and even learned to play the suona, offering them a unique cultural experience.

Athletes experienced the art of suona. (Photo/Ba'nan District)

After experiencing the suona, He Zhuojia was deeply moved. She said, "Playing the suona looks simple, but it's very difficult to make a sound. Mastering the suona is not something that can be achieved in a day or two; just like being an athlete, it requires long-term practice and hard work."

Lily Zhang expressed that Chongqing is unique and poetic, with an interesting culture that is full of surprises. She particularly likes the city of Chongqing.

Athletes watched the Sichuan Opera face-changing performance. (Photo/Ba'nan District)

Xiliutuo Town is a 4A-level national tourist attraction next to Lijiatuo Tea Flower Square on Babin Road in Banan District. Featuring traditional Bayu dwellings, the town has a distinctive architectural style with "streets leading to courtyards, intersecting alleys, and uneven levels." It boasts a variety of unique attractions, including the South Pond Market, Beautiful Market, Baoen Pagoda, Wishing Well, and an ancient theatrical stage.

As night falls, Xiliutuo Town is illuminated by brilliant lights. The pavilions, terraces, carved railings, and winding alleys create a unique Bayu style and old Chongqing ambiance, adding a bold and vivid brushstroke to the mountainous city's night scenery.

Follow in the footsteps of the champions and come to Banan District for a visit!