'Cool Guiyang' partners with Zhangjiajie to boost tourism

Representatives from Guiyang and Zhangjiajie discussed tourism industry collaboration at the exchange seminar. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang]

Guiyang bureau of culture and tourism and representatives from Guiyang's inbound tourism sector visited Zhangjiajie in Central China's Hunan province on Jan 3 to promote "Cool Guiyang" tourism brand and host an industry exchange seminar focused on inbound tourism.

Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, and Zhangjiajie are geographically similar and share deep cultural ties. Zhangjiajie has long focused on becoming a world-class tourist destination. Its stunning Wulingyuan scenic area, with its unique landscapes, has become a popular spot for visitors from the Republic of Korea (ROK). Now, Guiyang and Zhangjiajie plan to jointly target the ROK tourism market, streamlining travel connections and enhancing their collaborative efforts.

The two cities aim to use the new 240-hour visa-free transit policy to strengthen cross-promotion and share tourist flows. They will focus on attracting specific tourist flows while creating a platform for deeper cooperation between businesses in both cities. By capitalizing on Zhangjiajie's strengths in port promotion, the two cities will work to boost transfer and connecting flight tour group offerings, foster collaboration among travel agencies, and establish a sustainable system for mutual tourism promotion.

Guiyang will also look to Zhangjiajie's success in international tourism branding, tourism industry innovation, and improved services for tourists who speak uncommon languages as it seeks to elevate its cultural and tourism offerings.

In 2024, Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport served 22.31 million passengers. The airport currently connects with 13 international destinations, including Phuket, Bangkok, and Osaka. New routes to cities like Cheongju in the ROK are planned for 2025.