Northeast China’s dinosaur hometown draws holiday visitors with prehistoric charm

Visitors to northeast China's Jiayin County, dubbed the "hometown of dinosaurs," are treated to immersive prehistoric charm and picturesque northern autumn scenery during the week-long National Day holiday.

Jiayin County in Heilongjiang Province is the place where China's first dinosaur fossil was discovered in 1902. Dinosaurs have become its symbol, attracting dino fans from around the globe to this county, which has a population of around 80,000.

At the Jiayin Dinosaur National Geopark, China's first national dinosaur geopark, ancient dinosaur fossil relics stand quietly amid vibrant fall foliage along the border river, blending natural beauty with prehistoric heritage and offering tourists a unique travel experience.

"We came to visit Jiayin today. The air is fresh, the scenery is stunning, and local people are incredibly warm and hospitable," said tourist Bi Lijuan on Friday.

Shifting from traditional sightseeing tours to diversified immersive and interactive experiences, Jiayin has fully explored its unique resources, including dinosaur culture, forest ecology, and border river landscape, allowing more travelers to embrace the golden autumn romance of the Lesser Khingan Mountains, tourists commented.

Northeast China’s dinosaur hometown draws holiday visitors with prehistoric charm

The ancient City of Kashi in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was bustling with tourists this National Day holiday, recording more than 160,000 tourist visits on Friday, the second day of the week-long holiday.

The day typically begins at the East Gate, where a traditional gate-opening ceremony is held every morning, featuring local Muqam music and the Hu Xuan dance.

"We're really glad to be here during the National Day holiday. We just watched the city-opening ceremony and could truly feel the warmth and hospitality of Xinjiang," said Luo Shuangzong, a tourist from northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The crowds then spilled into the ancient city’s winding streets, lined with food stalls, handicraft shops, cafes and photo studios.

Tourists enjoyed tea and musical performances in the courtyards and joined local residents in traditional gatherings.

"We watched all the performances. There were songs and dances from different ethnic groups, and I think they are really rhythmic and passionate, full of energy. I'm very very happy," said Zhang Fan, a tourist from Beijing.

Tourists enjoy hospitality in Xinjiang's Kashi ancient city during National Day holiday