On August 13, after a refreshing rain, the Huangshizhai Scenic Area in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was enveloped in mist, with its elegant peaks resembling a fairyland. Numerous foreign tourists exploring the area marveled at the stunning scenery, exclaiming, “Very beautiful!”
Foreign visitors, including group tours, family trips, and independent travelers, can be seen throughout Zhangjiajie’s scenic spots, as the city’s international allure, dubbed “Global Zhang,” continues to strengthen. From January to July this year, Zhangjiajie welcomed 722,300 inbound tourists, with total spending reaching $376 million, reflecting year-on-year increases of 14.2% and 16.42%, respectively.
Data shows that the top 10 source countries and regions for visitors to Zhangjiajie from January to July were South Korea, Hong Kong (China), Taiwan (China), Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the United States, Thailand, Russia, and France. South Korea remains the largest source market, with 238,451 Korean visitors to Zhangjiajie during this period.
The structure of inbound tourism is becoming increasingly optimized, with a significant surge in visitors from Europe and the Americas. Markets such as the United States, Russia, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Canada have shown rapid growth. From January to July, Zhangjiajie hosted 27,903 American visitors (up 36.62% year-on-year), 10,312 German visitors (up 79.58%), and 9,617 Italian visitors (up 215.47%).
Leveraging its unique resources, Zhangjiajie has consolidated its South Korean market while actively expanding into Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. By launching more international flight routes, hosting tourism promotion events, and collaborating with overseas travel agents, the city has steadily enhanced its global visibility and appeal. Events like the Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Wing Suit Flying World Championship, along with new outdoor experiences such as the Qixing Mountain Via Ferrata and Grand Canyon bungee jumping, have enriched its tourism offerings, boosting Zhangjiajie’s global marketing and exposure. Additionally, the city has optimized international services in transportation, accommodation, dining, and payment systems, becoming one of China’s first key cities for enhanced payment services, creating a high-quality, diverse, and convenient tourism environment for international visitors.