Forests, seaside and wetlands make Jinzhou a hot getaway
Jinzhou has launched six travel routes with such themes as culture, coastline and education.
The city in Liaoning province is a popular getaway for Beijing residents, since the journey takes about three hours on the 15 high-speed rail lines connecting it with the capital.
Many also make the fivehour drive for weekend visits, Jinzhou’s tourism authority says.
The city has forests, seaside and wetlands, Liaoning provincial tourism development commission’s deputy director Wang Xiaojiang says.
Emperors worshiped at Yiwulyu Mountain during the Liao (916-1125) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
It claims to have Asia’s largest Manchurian red pine forest and boasts vast varieties of flowering reeds.
“Visitors can follow ancient emperors’ footsteps among verdant pines and cypresses, unique rock formations and serene valleys,” Jinzhou’s tourism development commission director Jiang Lixin says.
The stone structure Baolinlou built on a cliff face is a major draw.
Many travelers enjoy Jinzhou Bay’s sand and swimming.
The beach is connected to Bijiashan Island by a 2-kilometer stone bridge that appears when the tide ebbs. The island contains such historical attractions as the Sanqing Pavilion.
Jinzhou is also celebrated for its barbecue.
The city of 1.2 million people hosts two restaurant grills for every inhabitant, Jinzhou barbecue association president Li Zhi says.
“Almost every resident knows how to grill,” Li says.
The unique style has spread throughout the country and to such international destinations as Los Angeles, Vancouver and Melbourne, tourism authorities say.
The city’s tourism has been developing rapidly.
Over 5,000 visitors attended an international antiques festival in April, including collectors from the United States, Sweden and Japan.
It featured antiques from home and abroad, and items from the revolution the Communist Party of China led from 1921 to ’49.
It drew visitors last winter with temple fairs, dragon dances, hot springs and sports.
Jinzhou received 3.1 million visits during the Spring Festival holiday from Feb 15 to 21, generating over 1.14 billion yuan ($180 million) in tourism income, the local tourism authority reports.
Many travel to surrounding areas to enjoy the countryside.
The city’s Nianpangou village has attracted flocks of travelers since January.
“We’ve recently got lots of tourists and serve five or six tables during meal rushes,” says Gao Yuxia, who runs a private family-style eatery.
Nianpangou’s location west of Yiwulyu Mountain affords such outdoor activities as hiking and rock climbing.
Tourism authorities have teamed up with major tourism agencies.
And they’ve launched a program in which visitors can share their experiences on the tourism bureau’s WeChat account and win gifts.
It seems the routes offer new material for them to post.