Supreme beauty that creates connections, bridges culture

Na Yong-hee, a 58-year-old tourist from South Korea, recently arrived, with great anticipation, at the renowned Wulingyuan scenic area in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province.

Na, who was accompanied by his wife and friends, was not disappointed with the trip, captivated as he was by the beautiful views of majestic peaks, formidable ravines and breathtaking waterfalls in autumn. In fact, these were the very things that he had hoped to see for years.

Zhangjiajie is well known in South Korea — as reflected in a popular saying there: "You have not lived a full life until you've been to Zhangjiajie."

Inspired by the saying, Na has promised that this trip would not be his last. "I will definitely come back," he said.

Na is one of hundreds of thousands of South Korean tourists who have visited Zhangjiajie, which has become, arguably, one of the best-known destinations in China for South Korean tourists.

Zhangjiajie has experienced explosive growth in international tourist arrivals over the past few years, according to a news conference on Tuesday. The number of inbound tourists to the city — from 183 countries and regions — reached a record 1.83 million last year, 59 times more than in 2020.

"Zhangjiajie has become a global calling card," said Zhong Jun, deputy Party secretary of Zhangjiajie, citing its appeal worldwide.

Last year, the city welcomed more than 340,000 tourists from South Korea alone, a 21 percent increase over 2023.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area is known for its more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks.

Tourists from South Korea have a particular interest in mountainous landscapes, making it one of their top choices, said Zhang Wei, general manager of a travel agency in Zhangjiajie.

Earlier this year, a line from the hit South Korean drama When Life Gives You Tangerines highlighted the special connection between Zhangjiajie and the South Korean people. In the final episode, which aired in March, the heroine promises her critically ill lover that they will "go to Zhangjiajie together and see the falling leaves next year".

The emotional scene quickly went viral on social media, sparking discussions among Chinese netizens about South Koreans' long-standing interest in the place.

The Zhangjiajie government later extended an official invitation to the drama's cast. The outreach created "a cross-border connection through Zhangjiajie's breathtaking scenery", the invitation said.

Notably, the city provides services specifically for South Korean tourists, including high-end Korean restaurants, said Tian Hongman, deputy director of Zhangjiajie's Administration of Culture and Tourism. The government also provides Korean language training for staff members working in scenic areas, restaurants and shopping malls.

To attract young travelers, additional efforts — such as inviting internet influencers to visit and share their experiences back home — have been poured into online marketing, she added.

Zhang, the travel agency GM, said Korean restaurants "are easily found, and many local vendors can speak some Korean" thanks to the engagement of the government with the travel industry. The teamwork appears to be working as there is an increasing flow of young visitors from South Korea.

In June, a local bus driver suddenly fell ill while transporting 11 South Korean visitors and their guide toward Zhangjiajie. Although he managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop, saving the lives of all aboard, he lost his life later.

In a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Beijing in September, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi mentioned the driver's heroism as one of the many touching stories of friendship between the people of China and South Korea worth highlighting to strengthen mutually friendly feelings.

In 2006, the city and Hadong County, South Korea, joined hands to become "sister cities", and friendly ties have grown stronger through collaboration. Sixteen government officials have been sent from each side to work in the counterpart city.

Choi Sin-young, 52, a civil servant from Hadong, completed a six-month exchange at Zhangjiajie's Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau in early October. For her, it was more than a work assignment — it was an opportunity to deeply explore Chinese culture and build friendships.

Choi said she cherishes the many kind gestures of her Chinese colleagues.

"I want to serve as a bridge between South Korea and China, to bring our people together," she said. "City-to-city, and heart-to-heart."

Contact the writers at limuyun@chinadaily.com.cn