15th China Tourism Day Spotlights Ningbo’s Cultural Legacy
As May 19 approaches, travelers and culture enthusiasts are gearing up for the 15th China Tourism Day, hosted this year in the coastal city of Ningbo. The event’s theme – “Ningbo, Where Your China Journey Begins – Follow Xiake’s Footsteps in Ningbo” – honors Xu Xiake, the 17th-century explorer whose travel diaries revolutionized China’s geographical studies.
Blending History with Innovation
Ningbo will showcase its 7,000-year-old Hemudu culture through interactive exhibits, augmented reality tours of ancient trade routes, and culinary festivals featuring Ming Dynasty-inspired dishes. Visitors can trace Xu Xiake’s documented journeys through Zhejiang Province while experiencing cutting-edge tourism tech like AI-guided heritage trails.
Economic Implications for Regional Tourism
With tourism contributing 11% to China’s GDP in 2023, industry analysts will watch how Ningbo’s focus on “story-driven travel” could set trends for cultural preservation. The city has partnered with 38 overseas travel agencies to promote cross-border tourism packages ahead of the event.
