On July 5, the Hunan and Zhangjiajie Tourism Product Promotion Conference was held in Zhangjiajie, hosted by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Zhangjiajie Culture, Tourism, Radio, Television, and Sports Bureau, and organized by Hunan Overseas Tourism Zhangjiajie Co., Ltd. The event aimed to showcase the unique charm of Hunan and Zhangjiajie to the international tourism market, specifically targeting 23 travel agents from Kazakhstan.
The conference kicked off with a presentation on Hunan’s cultural tourism, highlighting the province’s rich heritage. From the scholarly ambiance of the millennium-old Yuelu Academy to the timeless allure of Fenghuang Ancient Town, from revolutionary red tourism sites to vibrant ethnic villages, Hunan’s diverse cultural tourism resources captivated the Kazakhstani travel agents, sparking their curiosity about the region.
The spotlight then shifted to Zhangjiajie’s cultural tourism, elevating the event’s atmosphere to a climax. Renowned for its awe-inspiring natural landscapes, Zhangjiajie’s quartzite sandstone peak forests rise dramatically, their varied forms intertwined with swirling mists, resembling a fairyland. Clear streams wind through the peaks, forming spectacular waterfalls and deep pools. The region’s unique karst caves, adorned with fantastical stalactites and stalagmites, shimmer dreamlike under illuminated lights. Additionally, Zhangjiajie’s vibrant Tujia culture shines through infectious folk performances like the Hand-Waving Dance and Maogusi Dance, alongside cultural symbols such as Xilankapu weaving and stilted buildings. The melodious Tujia mountain songs offered the travel agents an immersive experience of local traditions.
During the discussion session, Kazakhstani travel agency representatives expressed their admiration for Zhangjiajie’s beauty. One travel agent remarked, “After seeing the promotion of Zhangjiajie’s scenery, I feel the time here is too short—can I stay a few more days?” This heartfelt comment underscored the strong appeal of Zhangjiajie’s tourism resources to the Kazakhstani market, signaling significant potential for future development.
A representative from the Zhangjiajie Culture and Tourism Bureau noted that in 2024, Zhangjiajie welcomed over 400 tourists from Kazakhstan, ranking the country 37th among 183 international source markets. This indicates a solid market foundation with ample room for growth. The city boasts robust tourism infrastructure, with over 30 scenic spots accessible within a 1.5-hour drive from the city center. Customs clearance operates 24/7, with processing times kept within 30 minutes, and foreign currency and card payments are seamlessly accepted at scenic areas, hotels, and other venues, greatly enhancing convenience and experience for international visitors.
This tourism promotion conference established a vital platform for exchange and cooperation between Hunan’s Zhangjiajie and Kazakhstan’s tourism industry. Through face-to-face interactions, both sides deepened mutual understanding, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration. As cooperation strengthens, more Kazakhstani tourists are expected to visit Zhangjiajie, experiencing its majestic landscapes and Hunan’s unique charm firsthand, pushing bilateral tourism cooperation to new heights and achieving mutual benefits.