Core Insights - The cultural tourism industry in Yancheng, Jiangsu, has gained recognition as a "hidden gem" with unique offerings that emphasize emotional value and storytelling, attracting a diverse range of visitors [1][2][25] - Yancheng's approach contrasts with overly commercialized projects by focusing on local history, red culture, and intangible heritage, creating immersive experiences for tourists [1][12][25] Group 1: Cultural and Historical Significance - Yancheng has a rich revolutionary history, exemplified by the New Fourth Army Memorial Hall, which serves as a center for red culture education and attracts families for patriotic education [3][4][11] - The city has successfully integrated historical narratives into modern experiences, such as the "N Coffee" that connects coffee pricing to historical events, enhancing visitor engagement [9][11] Group 2: Innovative Cultural Experiences - The New Fourth Army Memorial Hall has introduced interactive spaces and creative products, such as plush toys based on historical artifacts, to appeal to younger generations [6][7][9] - The Xixi Tianxian Yuan scenic area has differentiated itself in the competitive ancient town market by telling compelling local stories and offering immersive performances, leading to significant visitor growth [12][14][16] Group 3: Economic Impact and Cultural Consumption - The rise of cultural tourism in Yancheng has led to increased visitor numbers, with the Xixi Tianxian Yuan attracting over 3 million visitors last year, showcasing the economic potential of cultural heritage [12][16] - The Bamboo Forest Restaurant has become a nostalgic venue for older generations while attracting younger visitors, illustrating the successful blending of cultural heritage with modern dining experiences [19][24] Group 4: Future Directions - Yancheng's cultural tourism initiatives reflect a broader trend of utilizing cultural assets to drive economic growth, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in enhancing a city's appeal [25][26] - The city is actively developing various cultural projects that connect traditional heritage with contemporary experiences, fostering a sense of identity and community among visitors [18][26]

新华财经上海10月7日电 （王骋） 今年的国庆长假，恰逢中秋节，承载着深厚文化底蕴的古镇景区，成为游客出行的热门目的地，长三角星罗棋布的古镇 群落再次迎来客流高峰。在经历了多年的发展与沉淀后，今年长假的古镇文旅呈现出哪些新趋势？面对"千镇一面"的诘问，它们如何作答？在长三角一体 化发展的大背景下，古镇间又如何从"单打独斗"走向"美美与共"？新华财经进行了实地探访。 从"看风景"到"入场景"，"沉浸式体验"成主流 西塘古镇景区工作人员陈康向新华财经表示，如今游客已不再满足于走马观花式的拍照打卡，而是渴望成为古镇故事的一部分。因此景区假期配套了多个 妆造服务、跟拍摄影和国风市集点位，通过"点面结合"的方式，打造全天候、沉浸式的"国风音乐+古装汉服"体验。 随着夜幕低垂，新华财经"一路南浔"探访同为浙江省境内的南浔古镇。伴随着婉转悠扬的评弹，游客们坐着妙音船，沿着河道观赏古镇的夜景；頔塘故道 水系旁的宜园内灯火璀璨，新增了20多个节目的南浔夜宴表演焕新开场，游客们在流动的歌舞与光影中沉浸式感受水乡韵味。 南浔景区工作人员介绍，今年长假，"古镇夜游"一下子火了。单是10月3日一天，夜游客流流量比去年同期增长了近10% ...

Core Viewpoint - The development of ancient towns in China has faced significant challenges, with many projects, including the Duyong Ancient Town, experiencing substantial financial losses and operational difficulties, leading to a growing number of "empty towns" across the country [1][2][7]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Challenges - Duyong Ancient Town, built with an investment of 2.4 billion yuan, has accumulated losses exceeding 1 billion yuan by the end of 2024, with a single-year loss of 596 million yuan in 2024 [2][5]. - The project was initially expected to generate annual revenues of 500 million yuan and a net profit of 200 million yuan, but it has failed to meet these expectations [5]. - Nearly half of the 2,800 ancient towns in China are projected to become "empty towns" by 2025, indicating a systemic issue within the sector [1][7]. Group 2: Market Saturation and Similarity - There are over 27,000 tourism-related enterprises in the ancient town sector, with nearly 40% facing poor operational conditions, including liquidation or suspension [7]. - The proliferation of similar architectural styles and commercial offerings across ancient towns has led to visitor dissatisfaction, with many tourists noting the lack of uniqueness [9][10]. - A survey indicated that 95.31% of respondents had participated in ancient town tourism in the past two years, yet many expressed frustration over the homogeneity of these destinations [19][21]. Group 3: Cultural and Operational Insights - Successful ancient towns, such as Wuzhen and Xitang, have maintained their cultural integrity and adapted to modern tourist preferences, contrasting with poorly managed projects that lack historical context [15][21]. - The failure of Duyong Ancient Town serves as a warning for the industry, emphasizing the importance of genuine cultural engagement and effective operational management rather than mere replication of successful models [15][21]. - Tourists are increasingly seeking immersive experiences rather than superficial visits, indicating a shift in preferences that ancient towns must adapt to in order to thrive [17][21].