Chongqing — 11 overseas influencers hit the road in Chongqing on Aug. 15, beginning an eight-day journey through mountains, forests, cultural attractions and local communities as part of the “So Cool! Let’s DRIVE in Chongqing” experience under the "Experience Chongqing, Seasonal Splendors" campaign.

The trip is part of “Experience Chongqing · Seasonal Splendors.” The participants, from the United States, Russia, Australia, Italy, Poland, India, Thailand and Indonesia, are traveling in Chongqing-made AITO M9 new energy vehicles. Their route will take them through Nanchuan, Wulong and Fengdu.

Nanchuan, in southern Chongqing near the border with Guizhou, was the first stop. The district is home to Jinfo Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site known for its karst landscape and rich biodiversity.

On the afternoon of Aug. 15, the group arrived at Shanwangping Karst National Ecological Park, more than 1,300 meters above sea level. The area has an average summer temperature of 19.6 C, making it a popular retreat from the heat.

Influencers enjoy a quiet moment amid the forest. (Photo/Organizer)

The forest also offered the visitors a glimpse of Nanchuan’s ecological recovery. About 40 years ago, the area was largely barren and rocky. Today, more than 10,000 mu, or about 667 hectares, of forest cover the landscape. 

“The peaceful forest makes me feel so calm,” said Wijaya, an influencer from Indonesia.

In the evening, the group visited the Huahaoyueyuan cultural and tourism area in the Shanwangping Health and Wellness Resort. The area combines cultural experiences, theater, dining and entertainment across three themed streets.

The visitors sampled local specialties, including chicken braised with bamboo shoots, before exploring the area. Traditional Bayu cultural elements, karst-inspired scenery, intangible cultural heritage and nighttime performances are incorporated throughout the site.

Marianna from the United States tried making a traditional sachet, while other influencers sampled local snacks and interacted with performers. Shopkeepers and residents also stopped to chat and take photos with the visitors.

“People here are super warm and generous. I really love the friendly vibe,” Marianna said.

The following morning, Aug. 16, the group continued along the 178-km Fun Drive around Magnificent Jinfo Mountain, heading toward Jinshan Lake.

At a camping area beside Jinshan Lake, the influencers sat by the water and cooled off with cold-brewed tea before trying grass sliding. Michele Ponte of Italy and Bradley Thomas of the United States raced down the grassy slope, laughing as they made their way back up for another run.

Influencers stroll along the shores of Jinshan Lake. (Photo/Organizer)

In the afternoon, the convoy continued to Jinfo Mountain.

The group explored two of the mountain’s Ten Grand Spectacles, Jinguichaoyang and Lingkong Zhandao, as well as Yaochiba, a popular summer destination in Nanchuan.

At the western summit, Jinguichaoyang features a natural rock formation resembling a turtle raising its head toward the east. Along Lingkong Zhandao, the visitors walked above the cliffs as clouds moved through the surrounding peaks.

The group also stopped at Yanzi Cave, where naturally cool air offered relief from the summer heat. Later, while walking through the alpine meadow at Yaochiba, they spotted a squirrel moving among the trees. The unexpected encounter prompted excited cries of “Lucky!” from the group.

Australian influencer Jayson Robertson kept his camera in hand for much of the visit.

“The World Heritage title is no empty praise. Jinfo Mountain is absolutely worth a second visit,” he said.

The day ended in Nanchuan’s urban area at Dongjie, a cultural and tourism town known for its recreation of Chinese town life in the 1980s and 1990s.

Old household appliances, vintage furniture and wall art gave the streets a distinctly retro feel. The influencers explored cultural and creative products inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and sampled desserts incorporating traditional Chinese medicine ingredients.

At a sugar-painting stall, Polish influencer Polina recognized the craftsman from the previous day. He was the same man who had taught the group traditional handicrafts in Shanwangping.

Russian-Chinese couple Artem and Yu Bohan also tried their hand at sugar painting, using melted sugar to create an image of their cat.

As night fell, the group gathered for Nanchuan barbecue. The dinner soon became a birthday celebration as well.

While collecting passport information for the trip, the Western China International Communication Center, which organized the activity, noticed that Aug. 16 was the birthday of Indian influencer Saahil Hussain. Organizers quietly prepared a cake, while the other 10 influencers joined in singing “Happy Birthday.”

“Being remembered by so many people in a foreign country — I’ll never forget this,” Saahil said.

The celebration continued over plates of Nanchuan barbecue, with the skewers quickly disappearing from the table.

“Nanchuan barbecue is absolutely delicious!” Marianna said.

In two days, the influencers moved from Shanwangping’s restored forests to the karst landscapes of Jinfo Mountain, and from the shores of Jinshan Lake to the streets of Dongjie. Along the way, they encountered local food, traditional crafts and the everyday hospitality of Nanchuan.

Their journey will continue through Nanchuan, Wulong and Fengdu as the “So Cool! Let’s DRIVE in Chongqing” experience takes them beyond the city’s better-known landmarks to explore more of Chongqing’s natural landscapes, culture and local life.