China's rural tourist sites known for unique landscapes and folklores have become increasingly popular among international visitors who seek a travel experience different from visiting the country's first-tier cities.
In Zhangjiajie National Forest Park of central China's Hunan Province, international visitors come to scale the mountains and view the towering quartz-sandstone pillars.
"It's so beautiful here. The mountains and clouds are breathtaking. Everyone is very friendly. We have a wonderful time here in Zhangjiajie," said an Ecuadorian tourist.
At the scenic spots of Qutang Gorge and the Baidi ancient town in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, international visitors said they were captivated by the magnificent river and gorge scenery.
"They were an ancient civilization, and you feel it when you come here. I'm happy. I will tell friends: you must come here," said a tourist from Mauritius.
Increasingly, global travelers are also showing interest in connecting with Chinese culture. Many are meeting locals, enjoying authentic cuisine, and immersing themselves in genuine experiences.
In Guilin City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, foreign visitors eagerly take part in the region’s intangible cultural heritage, such as learning to weave Zhuang brocade, an ancient and highly durable craft made from cotton and silk.
"This kind of thing is never seen in France, so I think it's a great gift to bring back for friends and to show my parents and my family. It's a great souvenir, and you only see this here," said a French tourist.
China's rural attractions boasting unique scenery, folklore become popular among int'l travelers
Residents from Colombian capital city of Bogota expressed their gratitude to China's humanitarian aid supplies for the country's quake-affected communities after a shipment of 80-tonne relief supplies arrived on Tuesday.
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck western Colombia on Aug 10. The death toll from the quake had risen to 304, with 4,548 people injured and 426 others missing, the country's disaster management agency said Tuesday.
The items, including generators, mobile water purification vehicles, medical disinfection gears, solar-powered lights, tents, and blankets, are urgently needed in the country which is facing the enormous challenge of relief and reconstruction.
"This is excellent. The earthquake was devastating and we are thankful to China and everyone who is helping and putting their grain of sand," said Raimundo Montemiranda, a security guard.
"Thankful to this help, and any help is going to be helpful from people and countries. This is solidarity and the unity of the world," said Eduardo Prieto, an insurance salesman.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said Monday night that about one-third of Colombia had been affected by the quake, which was centered in San Jose del Palmar in the department of Choco.
He said preliminary estimates put direct economic losses from the earthquake at nearly 30 trillion Colombian pesos (about 9.6 billion U.S. dollars), including 24.5 trillion pesos in building damage and 5.5 trillion pesos in infrastructure damage.
Domestic and international humanitarian aid are both keeping pouring into the hardest-hit areas while search and rescue teams are still working in places where people may remain trapped under the rubble.
Bogota residents express gratitude to China's quake relief supplies for Colombia
