Hefei: A city of sustainable tourism, cultural charm

At the end of August, I had the privilege of accompanying a delegation of global content creators to Hefei, East China's Anhui province. The trip provided a remarkable opportunity to explore the city's advancements in sustainable biodiversity practices, innovation, and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

Motan Tourism Resort, located on the outskirts of Hefei, was the most memorable highlight of my trip. It provided a perfect getaway to unwind and immerse myself in both nature and local culture.

Upon arrival, we were delighted by the lush, sprawling greenery surrounding the resort. It appears that the entire area was designed as a refuge for both wildlife and visitors.

I soon discovered Motan is celebrated for its pristine wetlands. There, under the sun, the water sparkled while schools of fish glided just beneath the shimmering surface.

Flocks of birds flew and frolicked without restriction. White egrets waded in the shallows, while families of ducks paddled contentedly, their gentle quacks adding to the park's natural symphony.

The harmony between the resort and its wildlife is central to its innovative approach, presenting a successful ecotourism model.

As night falls, the light shows illuminate the darkness, creating an energetic tapestry for travelers. This is especially magical when witnessed from a boat gliding on the water.

Alexandra Ogden, a content creator from Montreal, Canada, captured a similar feeling.

"I've traveled to many places, but Motan is special. It's rare to find a spot that perfectly mixes the tranquility of nature with the energy of local culture. One moment, you see an egret take flight; the next, you're enjoying incredible food."

We were also given a tour of the resort, where we learned about ancient Jianghuai-style residential architecture characterized by blue bricks, gray tiles, large roofs, and courtyards. We also explored Hefei's unique local opera, Luzhou Opera.

Traditional snacks like Xiatang Pancake, which is said to have a history dating back to Three Kingdoms (220-280) period and daweibaba, also known as "dry buns", delighted us all with their unique, crispy flavor.

The aromas of sizzling street food and the lively atmosphere together offered an impressive culinary experience.

The visit ended with all global content creators gaining a richer understanding of Hefei, leaving us with a lasting impression of the city's green development, rich culture and welcoming hospitality.

Douglas Dueno is a foreign expert of China Daily Website.