Cool escapes, cultural encounters fuel China's inbound tourism boom

Melodic strains of music fill the air as foreign visitors join local villagers in a lively bamboo dance, weaving between the poles to the rhythm of the traditional performance.

Amid the laughter and excitement, they are getting an up-close taste of the rich folk culture of China's Li ethnic group.

This summer, Maona Village, nestled in the tropical rainforest of Wuzhishan in south China's Hainan Province, has attracted a growing number of international visitors with its distinctive cultural study-tour programs.

They can venture into tea plantations, pick tea leaves, learn how to identify different varieties and experience China's tea culture firsthand.

With its abundant tourism resources and diverse climates, China is becoming an increasingly popular destination for overseas travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences.

Data from an online payment platform showed that spending by inbound tourists has risen 72.9% year on year since June.

Cool escapes draw global travelers As heat waves continue to grip many parts of the world this summer, demand for cooler destinations has been rising, driving tourism consumption.

In Beigou Village in Beijing's Huairou District, more than 30 foreign families live year-round.

With summer temperatures 4 to 5 degrees Celsius lower than in downtown Beijing, the village has also become a destination for visitors seeking a taste of the Chinese summer.

Recently, a business group from Hungary traveled there specifically to experience the cooler weather.

According to industry figures, European countries accounted for 30% of the top 20 source markets for China's inbound tourists this summer, with bookings from the region soaring 275% compared to last year.

China's varied landscape provides an array of "cool options." For instance, Mount Changbai, straddling the country's northern border, records an average temperature of just 18.8 degrees Celsius from June to August.

Its cool climate and rich forest resources have drawn tourists from around the country and abroad.

Many foreign visitors have climbed the mountain to see Tianchi Lake and hiked through its pristine underground forest, enjoying its fresh, oxygen-rich environment.