International visitors have been joining in the tourism rush during China's week-long National Day holiday from Oct. 1-7, with many ditching the traditional sightseeing itineraries to instead immerse themselves in the rhythms of everyday Chinese life through all manners of activities.
With an expansion of visa-free entry policies and an increasing "China Travel" trend spreading online, more and more overseas visitors have been encouraged to make the journey to the country. Rather than glimpsing cityscapes through a car window, many are now keen to explore the streets and alleys on foot as they take in the country's authentic charms.
In Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage site in central China's Hunan Province, the viral via ferrata ladder at Qixing Mountain -- an iron-rung climb bolted to a cliff face more than 100 meters high -- has become a must-try challenge for overseas visitors after sweeping social media platforms abroad.
"I saw a lot of videos of people doing it and a lot of friends of mine saw it as well and sent it to me. I'm excited of course. We can't wait to do it," said Italian tourist Gianandrea.
"[The coach is] very professional yes. And we understand, we're good, it feels very safe and we're going to, I'm excited [despite] those nerves," said British tourist Jonah.
As night fell in Zhangjiajie, the 72 Wonder Towers, a landmark complex of traditional-style architecture, blazed with lights, and performers of the local Tujia ethnic group in traditional costumes drew the crowd on the bonfire square into a dance.
Visitors from abroad strolling by stepped into the line, moving to the drumbeats, no one minded the footwork, and no language barrier stood in the way as guests from around the world shared the moment.
"Wow, it's so beautiful, isn't it? It's really wonderful. The people are really wonderful. I love it here. I'm loving China. It's great fun," said Sebastian from the UK.
In southwest China's Yunnan Province, the family of Belgian tourist Marie, on their sixth trip to China, skipped the packed itinerary and signed up for a Yunnan cooking class, browsing a local market with their instructor in search of small-grain coffee, fresh vegetables, spices and wild mushrooms still flecked with dew and earth.
"We like to travel this way and the cooking class has brought a lot of different memories. This is definitely in my top three most memorable trips ever," said Belgian tourist Alan Cerutti.
In Shanghai, the immersion took a quieter, more personal form, as Elif, a Swiss tourist, arrived with a hair salon already picked out on social media, hoping to try an authentic Asian-style haircut.
"Already to cut and dye long hair (in Switzerland), it's like 200 (Swiss) francs [around 240 U.S. dollars]. [Here] it will cost me a little less than half the price of what I would pay in my country. I think it's good to go, so it's kind of like a souvenir that you just keep with you," said Elif.
Int'l tourists embrace everyday activities during China's National Day holiday
Int'l tourists embrace everyday activities during China's National Day holiday
