In recent years, as a slow-paced lifestyle and immersive experiences have gained in popularity, an increasing number of Chinese travelers have opted for ancient towns with rich cultural heritage. Tourism experiences in ancient towns have evolved from sightseeing to culinary tours, folk activities, cultural festivals, and sporting events. Photo shows a lamp display, known for its twisting and turning layout, in Wulan ancient town, a scenic area in Gucheng village, Ganzhou district, Zhangye city, northwest China's Gansu Province.
(Photo/Yang Xiao) Ancient towns have become popular choices for tourists, who prefer to pursue emotional value and a relaxed atmosphere there, according to the 2024 report on the tourism development of ancient Chinese towns recently issued by the China Tourism Academy. The deep integration of culture and tourism, along with high-quality development, is driving innovation and upgrades in ancient town tourism, the report said. The report indicated that 93.
4 percent of respondents visited ancient towns, which demonstrated the popularity of these destinations. Ancient water towns in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, including Wuzhen, Zhouzhuang, Nanxun, and Xitang, are among the top 10 destinations in terms of the keyword search volume for ancient towns. Meanwhile, ancient towns such as Fenghuang, Pingyao, Lijiang, and Langzhong are also among the top destinations for Chinese travelers.
Tourists stroll along a street in Pingyao ancient t.
