Domestic travel bounces back to health

The artists' 100 works in various styles, featuring natural beauty, local culture and folk customs, are on display in Lijiang free of charge until the end of this month.

Zhao Yihai, president of the minsu association in the ancient town of Shuanglang, Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, Yunnan, said an increasing number of cross-provincial tourists only began to arrive last month. In June, the town played host mainly to visitors from elsewhere in Yunnan.

Shuanglang has 427 minsu, each with 10 to 14 bedrooms, and the guests are independent travelers.

Zhao said room rates are similar to those charged last summer. Rooms with magnificent views of Erhai Lake, which cost about 1,000 yuan ($143) a night, have been fully booked. A standard minsu guestroom costs about 400 yuan a night.

Guests must provide their health QR code and have their temperature taken before checking in.

"The resumption of cross-provincial tours by travel agencies has made independent travelers confident about domestic tourism and made them more willing to venture out," Zhao said.

"As more tourists are coming to the town, businesses such as catering, along with outlets selling souvenirs, ethnic group costumes and local specialties, have resumed trading."

Shuanglang, situated at the east bank of Erhai Lake, is a must-visit destination for tourists to enjoy stunning sunsets against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain, which rises above the shimmering waters.

"As an emerging destination in recent years, the town has become popular with young travelers, who prefer a leisure vacation to one solely involving sightseeing," Zhao said.

Guo Rui, who owns a small travel agency in Hulun Buir, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, said business is recovering well, as the region is another popular destination to avoid the summer heat.

Guo has been hosting livestream broadcasts on Mafengwo, the travel service and social networking platform, to introduce visitors to the region's attractions, such as its vast grasslands.

"Livestreaming has attracted followers to our business, and some have become clients. Most of them are on road trips or hire vehicles from us," he said.

Guo added that the agency helps organize activities for children of different ages, such as horse rising and archery.