"Village gala" in southwest China county attracts over 200,000 tourists in summer holiday

Villages in Tongzi County in southwest China's Guizhou Province are attracting visitors with lively galas and pleasant weather during the summer holiday, as over 200,000 visitors have made their way to the county for a cool getaway since June.

The high altitude of Guizhou provides a refreshing escape with pleasant summer temperatures, while its renowned "village gala" offers lively entertainment.

The gala features both local and visiting performers, creating a vibrant atmosphere that invites everyone to participate. A highlight of the gala is group singing, where participants take turns singing from either side of the stage. This open, informal activity encourages everyone to join in and enjoy the experience.

Since last year, Tongzi has hosted over a hundred galas in the county town and nearby villages.

With the arrival of tourists, the village galas in Tongzi have also boosted the local economy. Jiuba Town, part of the county, has developed two night markets with over 900 small businesses, transformed an abandoned park into a music and food hub, and opened numerous guest houses. According to statistics, Jiuba Town has generated over two billion yuan (approximately 280 million U.S. dollars) from tourism.

"Village gala" in southwest China county attracts over 200,000 tourists in summer holiday

China and Spain are set to deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation, with a focus on expanding collaboration in emerging industries such as clean energy and cross-border e-commerce, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

During a regular press briefing, spokesperson He Yongqian said the ministry will work closely with Spanish authorities to strengthen ties and cement economic partnerships.

"Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently led a trade delegation to China, where he and Minister Wang Wentao delivered speeches at the second meeting of the China-Spain Business Advisory Council, joined by over 60 representatives from both countries. During the meeting, business leaders from China and Spain expressed their commitment not only to strengthening cooperation in traditional sectors but also to exploring opportunities in emerging industries such as clean energy, cross-border e-commerce, big data, and the low-altitude economy, while jointly expanding into other markets," He said.

The spokesperson said the next step is to provide more regular and practical platforms for exchanges between businesses from the two countries.

Sanchez visited China for a four-day trip that began on Sept. 8.

China, Spain to deepen economic cooperation, explore new sectors: commerce ministry