Chongqing - On November 30, the Third China Hot Spring Industry Expo opened in Beibei District, Southwest China's Chongqing, drawing many high-quality hot spring companies and organizations from China and worldwide.

On November 30, the Third China Hot Spring Industry Expo opened in Beibei District, Southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)

The opening ceremony included the signing of important projects. Among them, the Beibei Hot Spring Tourism Cooperation Project signed agreements for the Jin Guoyuan Ecological Cultural Tourism Project and Forest Quality Enhancement Project, along with the Bazhong-Beibei Tourism Resource Strategic Cooperation Project, totaling an investment of 21 billion yuan (about 2.944 billion dollars).

On November 30, the opening ceremony included the signing of important projects. (Photo/Deng Yan)

 "In the first three quarters of 2023, 30 hot spring tourist attractions in Chongqing saw a quick recovery, hosting 1.2725 million visitors and earning over 229 million yuan in hot spring tourism, surpassing the levels of the same period in 2019," said Ran Huazhang, Director-General of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development.

He said Chongqing aims to create high-standard hot spring tourism areas with comprehensive functions such as leisure vacations, health preservation, and cultural entertainment.

In the domestic exhibition area, companies like one from Shenyang, specializing in water treatment, explained their products to visitors. Zhang Xiangwei, the company's representative, expressed confidence in exploring the Chongqing market. Another company from Shandong Province, dealing with hot spring scale treatment, showcased new products to attract Chongqing's hot spring businesses.

The expo drew domestic companies and international hot spring enterprises. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development).

At the local booth in Chongqing, a laboratory from Xiushan County showcased essential oil products, emphasizing the perfect combination of hot springs and aromatherapy for better health benefits.

International participants included hot spring enterprises from Japan, such as Oita Prefecture, known as the "Hot Spring County." Qian Minye, an Oita Prefecture's Shanghai office representative, expressed interest in exchanging ideas and collaborating with Chongqing's hot spring industry.

Not only the exhibitors but also residents joined the event. Granny Zhang, a 71-year-old resident of Beibei, shared her excitement, saying, "When it comes to Chongqing's hot springs, I am most familiar with Beibei's North Hot Spring."

The expo will continue until December 2, featuring events such as the National High-Quality Hot Spring Product Matchmaking Meeting, Hot Spring Product Ordering Promotion Meeting, Hot Spring Enterprise Public Welfare Promotion Meeting, and various hot spring offers for residents.