Tourism gem emerging in Wulong

Easily accessible by air, rail, road and water, Wulong received 5.46 million visitors last year, including 91,000 international tourists, generating total revenue of 520 million yuan ($72 million), a record high.

Over 100,000 people, about a quarter of the district's residents, now work in tourism and related industries, according to local authorities.

"Natural ecology is Wulong's greatest wealth and resource," He said. "We will never sacrifice the environment for temporary economic growth.

"We protect every mountain and stone, every blade of grass and tree, every bird and beast, as well as rivers and streams in Wulong, ensuring that the green mountains remain, the clear waters flow and the fresh air persists. This provides sustainable development resources for tourism."

Jingzhu village on Xiannyu Mountain was recognized as one of the world's best tourism villages by the World Tourism Organization in 2022, thanks to its achievements in balancing tourism with economic development while adhering to environmental protection.

Wulong has also taken a series of innovative approaches in developing tourism, providing services and activities for people with various needs, such as field studies for students, competitions for outdoor sports fans, exhibitions for art lovers, health and wellness services for seniors and romantic honeymoon packages for young couples.

Since 2003, Wulong has hosted the China International Mountain Outdoor Sports Open, one of the largest outdoor cross-country events in the world.

The world's first women's polo club — China. Xiannvshan 1003 Polo Club — will debut in Wulong soon, He added.

To make Wulong better known abroad, the district government has organized delegations to over 20 countries, including Switzerland, Hungary and Singapore, to promote tourism. Xiannyu Mountain has formed a "sister scenic area" partnership with Jungfrau in Switzerland and established international friendly cooperation relationships with six foreign cities and regions, including the city of Izumisano in Japan.