The 13th Ningde UNESCO Global Geopark Culture & Tourism Festival kicked off in Zhouning county in Ningde, East China's Fujian province, on the evening of Aug 23, bringing Zhouning's unspoiled landscapes and rich history to a wider audience and inviting people to explore its hidden treasures.

During the event, three international influencers from the US, Ukraine, and Pakistan had the chance to discover the charm of Zhouning, which boasts the highest altitude among county seats in Fujian province and is renowned as "A City in the Clouds".

The international influencers attend the opening ceremony of the 13th Ningde UNESCO Global Geopark Culture & Tourism Festival. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

Zhouning is home to numerous tourist attractions and rural tourism spots, nurturing a wealth of intangible cultural heritage items such as the craftsmanship behind wooden-arched bridges. In recent years, the county has focused on unique intellectual property and the six elements of tourism, exploring a model of integrated development through "tourism +" industries.

On Aug 22, the expats visited Sujiashan village, where they engaged in a number of thrilling activities. In 2016, the village established a mountainous amusement park featuring over 20 attractions, including aerial slides, bungee jumping, and cableway biking, offering a unique approach to rural vitalization.

Marian Rosenberg has a thrilling experience with cableway biking. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

"It's gorgeous out here!" After personally experiencing the cableway biking, Marian Rosenberg from the US praised the stunning scenery of Sujiashan and described the activity as "definitely worth doing".

The next day, the visitors explored the Ningde Jiulongji Waterfalls Scenic Resort. The Jiulongji Grand Waterfall, the most spectacular among the nine steps of Jiulongji Waterfall, is hailed as the No 1 waterfall in East China.

Water cascades down the cliff, with a staggering total drop of over 300 meters, evoking in the image of nine dragons emerging from a cave.

The Jiulongji Grand Waterfall captivates international visitors. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

Pakistani internet influencer Usman Masood expressed his awe at this natural wonder. "The park's geological relics are diverse and vibrant, seamlessly blending cultural history and biodiversity. I want to encourage more people from both China and abroad to visit this place," he said.

They also visited Louping village, nestled beneath the majestic Shimen Mountain. It is home to a number of well-preserved ancient residences in the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Additionally, the historic Silver Ancient Road leading to Baofeng Silver Mine in Qinxi village, once a conduit for dynastic wealth, remains to this day.

The international visitors visit ancient residences in Louping village. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

On Aug 24, their final stop was the Zhouning Xianfengshan Provincial Forest Park, a haven for camping, relaxation, forest walks, and fresh air. Kovalevska Karyna, an internet celebrity from Ukraine, marveled at the surroundings, "The environment is stunning, with excellent air quality!"