Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of Xuchang into a popular city largely due to the success of the local supermarket chain, Pang Donglai, which has become a significant attraction despite adverse weather conditions [1][5][6] - Xuchang's historical significance and cultural heritage, particularly its connection to the Three Kingdoms period, have contributed to its renewed visibility and appeal [2][3][4] Group 1: Historical Context - Xuchang's prominence dates back to the Eastern Han Dynasty when it became a political and cultural center under Cao Cao's influence [2] - The city was renamed from Xuxian to Xuchang during the Wei Dynasty, solidifying its historical importance [2] - Xuchang is home to over 80 historical sites related to the Three Kingdoms, showcasing its rich cultural legacy [3] Group 2: Economic Development - The city gained recognition in the 20th century as a global hub for wig production, earning the title "World Wig Capital" [4] - In 2023, Pang Donglai's rise has significantly boosted Xuchang's economy, attracting millions of visitors and generating substantial tourism revenue [6][5] Group 3: Social Impact - The influx of visitors has changed perceptions of Xuchang, with many associating it primarily with Pang Donglai rather than its historical roots [7][10] - Local businesses and services are increasingly adopting Pang Donglai's customer service model, reflecting a broader shift in the city's economic landscape [8][9] Group 4: Urban Experience - Despite the popularity of Pang Donglai, some visitors seek a more immersive experience of Xuchang's local culture and lifestyle, appreciating its affordability and community atmosphere [12][14] - The city faces challenges such as traffic congestion and infrastructure issues, which have been exacerbated by the surge in visitors [13][14]

Core Insights - The surge in tourist traffic in "internet-famous" cities presents both opportunities for development and challenges such as traffic congestion and rising prices, necessitating effective urban governance to balance tourism growth with local residents' quality of life [1][3][6] Group 1: Opportunities from Increased Tourism - Shanxi Yuncheng has become a popular tourist destination, with 192.18 million visitors and ticket revenue of 15.7 million yuan during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays [4] - Jingdezhen attracted over 9 million visitors during the same holiday period, showcasing the city's unique charm and potential for local businesses [5] - Local businesses, such as restaurants and cultural shops, have reported significant increases in customer traffic and revenue, with some establishments earning over 10,000 yuan daily [5][4] Group 2: Challenges Faced by Local Residents - Increased tourist traffic has led to congestion and disruptions in daily life for local residents, with reports of overcrowded public spaces and limited parking availability [6][7] - Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the influx of tourists, acknowledging the economic benefits while also facing inconveniences such as longer wait times for services and increased prices for goods [8][6] Group 3: Urban Governance and Management Strategies - Cities are implementing specific measures to enhance urban governance, such as opening additional parking spaces and improving traffic management to accommodate the surge in visitors [9][10] - Regulatory bodies are actively monitoring prices and ensuring food safety at local vendors to maintain a positive experience for both tourists and residents [10][9] - Long-term urban planning initiatives are being introduced to balance tourism growth with the needs of local communities, aiming for a harmonious coexistence of residents and visitors [10][9]

Core Insights - The rapid rise of "internet-famous" cities has created both opportunities and challenges, including traffic congestion and rising prices, necessitating improved urban governance to balance tourism growth with local residents' quality of life [4][6][9] Group 1: Economic Opportunities - Shanxi Yuncheng has become a popular tourist destination, with 192.18 million visitors and ticket revenue of 15.7 million yuan during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays [4][5] - The influx of tourists has significantly boosted local businesses, particularly in the food sector, with daily foot traffic reaching 50,000 at popular markets [4][5] - Jingdezhen, known for its porcelain culture, welcomed over 9 million visitors during the same holiday period, creating a sense of pride and opportunity among local residents [5] Group 2: Challenges Faced - Increased tourist traffic has led to congestion and disruptions in daily life for local residents, with reports of overcrowded streets and limited parking [6][7] - Local businesses have experienced changes in their operational rhythms, with longer wait times for services and increased prices for goods, affecting residents' daily routines [7][8] Group 3: Urban Governance Responses - Cities are implementing measures to manage the surge in visitors, such as opening additional parking spaces and improving transportation infrastructure [8][9] - Regulatory bodies are enhancing oversight of local businesses to ensure fair pricing and safety, while also promoting long-term urban planning to accommodate both tourists and residents [9][10]

Core Insights - The article discusses the transformation of small cities into popular tourist destinations through social media and flow economy, focusing on the "post-internet celebrity era" of urban development [1] Group 1: Tianshui's Success - Tianshui, a small city in Northwest China, gained popularity due to its spicy hotpot, with visitor numbers remaining high even after the initial surge [2][7] - The number of hotpot restaurants in Tianshui has increased fivefold to around 1,400 since its rise to fame [4] - Tianshui aims to elevate its hotpot to a recognized regional delicacy and has initiated trademark registration and industry association formation to support this goal [6] Group 2: Economic Impact - In 2024, Tianshui received 59.5 million tourists, generating a tourism revenue of 38.3 billion yuan, both showing over 23% growth [6] - The city has signed 253 investment projects with a total investment of 798.63 billion yuan, indicating a strong economic response to its newfound popularity [8] Group 3: Zibo's Strategy - Zibo, another city that gained fame for its barbecue, is working to diversify its tourism offerings beyond just food, aiming for a more sustainable tourism model [10][12] - The city has set a target to receive 65 million tourists and achieve over 64 billion yuan in tourism revenue by 2026 [12] - Zibo's industrial strategy includes developing a pre-packaged food industry and focusing on four key sectors: new materials, intelligent equipment, new pharmaceuticals, and electronic information [13] Group 4: Rongchang's Challenges - Rongchang, known for its "Lu Goose," experienced a significant influx of tourists but is now facing challenges in maintaining that interest [15][19] - The area saw a 743.6% increase in visitors during the May holiday, but numbers dropped significantly during the subsequent holiday period [17] - The local government has launched a development plan aiming for over 1 billion yuan in output value for the goose industry by 2026, indicating a strategic shift towards sustainable growth [19]

Core Insights - The tourism market is experiencing a continuous recovery, with traditional destinations maintaining popularity while lesser-known cities are emerging as new favorites during the recent holiday season [1] - The article explores how social media and the flow economy have transformed previously unnoticed small cities into popular tourist spots, raising questions about their sustainability and future development [1] Group 1: Tianshui's Transformation - Tianshui, a small city in Northwest China, gained sudden popularity due to a local spicy hotpot, leading to a significant increase in tourist numbers and local business growth [2][4] - The number of hotpot shops in Tianshui has surged to around 1,400, a fivefold increase since the city's rise to fame [4] - Tianshui aims to elevate its hotpot to a recognized regional delicacy and has initiated collective trademark registration and the establishment of an industry association to support this goal [5] Group 2: Economic Impact and Visitor Trends - In 2024, Tianshui is expected to receive 59.5 million tourists and achieve a tourism revenue of 38.3 billion yuan, both showing over 23% growth year-on-year [5] - The city has seen a shift in its visitor demographics, with an increase in tourists from eastern and coastal cities, indicating a broader appeal beyond local regions [5][10] - Tianshui's government has launched initiatives to attract investment, resulting in 253 signed projects with a total investment of approximately 798.63 billion yuan [9][8] Group 3: Zibo's Strategic Shift - Zibo, another city that gained fame through its barbecue, is actively working to diversify its tourism offerings and convert short-term visitor interest into long-term engagement [11][12] - The city has set ambitious tourism goals, aiming to host 65 million visitors and generate over 64 billion yuan in tourism revenue by 2026 [11] - Zibo's tourism revenue and visitor numbers have shown significant growth, with a 12% increase in visitor numbers and a 121.3% increase in revenue in 2024 compared to the previous year [12] Group 4: Rongchang's Challenges and Opportunities - Rongchang experienced a surge in tourism due to a viral local delicacy, but the influx of visitors has led to challenges in sustaining interest and managing market competition [15][16] - The local government has implemented a development plan targeting over 1 billion yuan in output value for its signature dish by 2026, aiming to establish Rongchang as a culinary landmark [17][18] - The city is facing a supply challenge for its local delicacy, necessitating adjustments in production and quality control to meet the growing demand [17]

Core Insights - The article discusses the ongoing recovery of the cultural and tourism market in China, highlighting the rise of lesser-known cities as new travel destinations driven by social media and the flow economy [1] - It explores the transformation of these cities from being "internet-famous" to achieving sustainable growth and development [1] Group 1: Tianshui's Success Story - Tianshui, a small city in Northwest China, has maintained its popularity since the viral rise of its spicy hotpot, with visitor numbers remaining high during holidays [2][5] - The number of hotpot restaurants in Tianshui has increased fivefold to around 1,400 since the dish gained fame, indicating a significant entrepreneurial response [2][3] - Tianshui aims to elevate its hotpot to a regional culinary symbol by applying for recognition as a "Chinese Famous Snack" and forming an industry association [3][4] Group 2: Economic Impact and Visitor Statistics - In 2024, Tianshui is expected to receive 59.5 million visitors and generate tourism revenue of 38.3 billion yuan, both showing over 23% growth year-on-year [4] - The city has seen a shift in its visitor demographics, attracting tourists from eastern and coastal regions, indicating a broader appeal [6] - Tianshui has signed 253 investment projects with a total investment of approximately 798.63 billion yuan, showcasing the economic opportunities arising from its newfound fame [8][7] Group 3: Zibo's Strategic Shift - Zibo, another city that gained fame for its barbecue, is actively working to diversify its tourism offerings and avoid being pigeonholed as a single-attribute destination [10][11] - Despite concerns about a decline in barbecue-related tourism, Zibo's key attractions have seen a 12% increase in visitor numbers and a 121.3% increase in revenue in 2024 [11] - The city has set ambitious goals to receive 65 million visitors and achieve over 64 billion yuan in tourism revenue by 2026 [10] Group 4: Rongchang's Transformation - Rongchang, which gained attention through its "Lu Goose" dish, experienced a massive influx of tourists, with 2.34 million visitors during the May Day holiday, leading to significant sales growth [16][14] - The local government has implemented a development plan aiming for over 1 billion yuan in output value for the Lu Goose industry by 2026, indicating a focus on sustainable growth [16] - The city is working to integrate its culinary identity into its urban fabric, promoting itself as a "Lu Goose culinary landmark" [15][16]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "internet celebrity cities" and the potential risks associated with relying on short-term viral trends for sustainable tourism development, using the example of Jingdezhen and its "Chicken Chop Brother" as a case study [4][6][10]. Group 1: Jingdezhen's Strategy - Jingdezhen has positioned the "Chicken Chop Brother" as a key figure for attracting tourists during the National Day holiday, highlighting the importance of food safety and hygiene in tourism [4][6]. - The local government has actively supported the Chicken Chop Brother, even designating him as a "Jingdezhen Tourism Promotion Officer," which reflects a strategic move to leverage viral marketing [6][10]. - This approach raises concerns about the sustainability of such marketing tactics, as previous examples like Zibo and Tianshui did not lead to lasting changes in their tourism industries despite initial popularity [7][10]. Group 2: Risks of Viral Marketing - The article warns that excessive reliance on a single viral figure can lead to a superficial tourism experience, where the authenticity and charm of the local culture may be overshadowed by commercialization [13][15]. - It emphasizes that while viral trends can attract visitors, they do not guarantee repeat business or long-term economic benefits if underlying issues such as infrastructure and cleanliness are not addressed [13][14]. - The phenomenon of "internet celebrity cities" can lead to a negative backlash if visitors feel disappointed by their experiences, which can damage the city's reputation in the long run [15][19]. Group 3: Lessons from Other Cities - The article draws parallels with cities like Dubrovnik, which have implemented measures to manage tourist flow and prioritize resident quality of life over short-term tourism revenue [18][19]. - Successful examples from Europe show that sustainable tourism requires a balance between attracting visitors and maintaining the integrity of local communities and environments [18][19]. - The article concludes that the essence of tourism lies in genuine exchanges between visitors and the city, which cannot be achieved through superficial marketing strategies [20].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "Chicken Chop Brother" in Jingdezhen, highlighting the potential risks and short-lived nature of relying on viral marketing and individual personalities to drive tourism and economic growth [4][6][28]. Group 1: Jingdezhen's Tourism Strategy - Jingdezhen's cultural tourism bureau has appointed "Chicken Chop Brother" as a promotional ambassador, showcasing a unique approach to attract visitors during the National Day holiday [6][9]. - The local government has taken proactive measures to support the Chicken Chop Brother, including forming a dedicated team to manage customer flow and maintain order [4][6]. Group 2: Risks of Viral Marketing - The article draws parallels with previous viral cities like Zibo and Tianshui, which experienced temporary spikes in tourism without sustainable economic benefits, indicating that such strategies may not lead to long-term structural changes [7][8][17]. - The reliance on a single personality or viral moment can lead to a "PTSD" effect among consumers, where the initial excitement fades quickly, leaving behind unmet expectations [7][10][18]. Group 3: Visitor Experience and Sustainability - The article emphasizes that while viral moments can attract crowds, they do not guarantee repeat visits or sustainable tourism, as underlying issues like infrastructure and cleanliness remain unaddressed [15][26]. - It highlights the importance of balancing tourist influx with local residents' quality of life, referencing cities like Dubrovnik that have implemented measures to manage tourism sustainably [21][25][26]. Group 4: Conclusion on Tourism Dynamics - The article concludes that the essence of tourism lies in genuine exchanges between visitors and the city, and that cities should focus on creating authentic experiences rather than relying solely on viral marketing [28][29].

Group 1: Core Insights - Chongqing has surpassed Shanghai to become the "new consumption first city," surprising many in the tourism industry [1] - The city's unique 8D magical urban landscape, vibrant food culture, and diverse shopping experiences have contributed to its rise in consumer appeal [1][13] Group 2: Urban Landscape - Chongqing's topography creates a unique three-dimensional city experience, with attractions like the Liziba Light Rail Station drawing significant tourist traffic, with daily visitor numbers exceeding ten thousand [3] - The Hongya Cave area offers a visually stunning environment that enhances consumer spending, with visitors often purchasing local crafts and enjoying high-priced dining experiences [4][5] Group 3: Culinary Scene - Chongqing is renowned for its hot pot, with over 30,000 hot pot restaurants generating annual revenues exceeding 100 billion yuan, making it a must-try for visitors [5] - The city also boasts affordable yet delicious street food options, such as small noodles, which encourage tourists to indulge in local cuisine, leading to increased spending [6] Group 4: Shopping Experience - The Jiefangbei shopping district is a major consumer hub, with sales during peak shopping periods, such as the Double Eleven festival, increasing by over 30% year-on-year [8] - The nearby Guanyinqiao area complements this with a mix of large shopping centers and local food streets, appealing to a wide range of consumer preferences [8] Group 5: Tourism Experience - Chongqing focuses on immersive tourism experiences, offering activities like traditional craft workshops that increase visitor spending by over 50% compared to standard tourism [9] - Enhanced tourist services, including smart navigation and optimized public transport, further improve the overall visitor experience [9] Group 6: Marketing and Promotion - Chongqing's effective marketing strategies, including high visibility on social media and participation in popular reality shows, have significantly boosted its profile as a tourist destination [10][12] - The city government actively promotes cultural events, enhancing its appeal and attracting more visitors [10] Group 7: Conclusion - Chongqing's success in becoming a leading consumer city is attributed to its unique urban features, rich culinary offerings, diverse shopping options, immersive tourism experiences, and innovative marketing strategies [13]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and subsequent decline of "internet celebrity cities" in China, focusing on Chongqing's Rongchang as a recent example of a city that gained popularity through social media but faces challenges in sustaining that attention and economic benefit [3][4][7]. Group 1: Rise of Rongchang - Rongchang became a trending destination in 2025, largely due to the viral success of "卤鹅哥" (Lu E Ge), which significantly boosted the city's profile and tourism [3][4]. - During the "May Day" holiday, Rongchang received 2.345 million visitors, a year-on-year increase of 168.2%, with sales of 290,000 units of the famous "卤鹅" skyrocketing by 752.53% [4]. - The local government actively supported the viral phenomenon, providing free public transport, parking, and even opening government canteens to accommodate the influx of tourists [5][10]. Group 2: Challenges and Decline - Despite the initial success, Rongchang's ability to sustain its popularity is limited by its small size and capacity, making it difficult to handle continuous high volumes of visitors [7][8]. - The overall trend of internet celebrity cities is declining, with increasing difficulty in replicating the success of earlier cities like Zibo and Harbin, which benefited from pent-up travel demand post-pandemic [8][10]. - The article highlights that many cities, including Rongchang, face structural challenges, such as population decline and lack of strong economic foundations, which complicate their efforts to maintain tourist interest [12][14]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The influx of tourists does not always translate into economic growth, as seen in Zibo and Harbin, where GDP growth lagged behind national averages despite high visitor numbers [11][15]. - The reliance on transient tourist flows can lead to misallocation of resources and exacerbate existing economic vulnerabilities in smaller cities [14][15]. - The article suggests that the focus for sustainable development should shift back to building strong pillar industries rather than depending solely on fleeting internet fame [15].