Mingshui Ancient Town, a historic water town in east China's Shandong Province, is enchanting visitors with its abundant waterways from the Baimai Spring, as well as its spectacular evening performances and outdoor shows.
The town, located in Jinan City's Zhangqiu District, draws on its local intangible cultural heritage to create a mesmerizing ambiance that evokes the Song Dynasty (960–1279), a period known for advancements in art and culture.
Every weekend, the scenic area dazzles visitors with music, fireworks, acrobatics, and folk art, while also providing an array of delicious local food.
"I'm a local Zhangqiu resident, he (my friend) came to meet me, and we came here together. It is quite lively," said resident Han Xiaoying.
According to local officials, the offerings are proving highly effective at fueling summer tourism.
"We have created a theme of night tours, or night economy, attracting nearly 500,000 visitors this summer alone, with revenue almost doubling compared to last year," said Xu Fei, the executive president of the scenic spot.
In the first eight months this year, Mingshui Ancient Town welcomed 1 million visitors, catalyzing cultural and tourism consumption in Zhangqiu. Notably, the average tourist spending has risen significantly, with a continuous uptrend in upscale dining and customized tours.
Historic canal town in east China ignites tourism economy with shining nighttime spectacles
