Line helps Zhanjiang flex tourism muscles

On the inaugural day of the Guangzhou-Zhanjiang High-Speed Railway, nearly 200 tourists embarked on a special journey organized by the Guangzhou bureau of culture, radio, television and tourism, in collaboration with GZL International Travel Service, a subsidiary of Lingnan Group.

These travelers had the opportunity to take the first train on this new route to explore the vibrant city of Zhanjiang in Guangdong province. Some of them opted for an immersive three-day tour, while others chose the "Zhanjiang plus Hainan" five-day itinerary. This combined high-speed rail and ferry travel for them to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Qiongzhou Strait and the benefits of duty-free shopping.

Wen Shuang, vice-president of GZL International Travel Service, highlighted the rising popularity of Zhanjiang as a tourist destination. The company's revenue from Zhanjiang-related products saw an increase of approximately 50 percent compared to that in 2024.

Zhanjiang, known as the southernmost coastal city on the Chinese mainland and the birthplace of Leizhou culture, boasts rich natural landscapes and cultural tourism resources. With the railway's opening, various parts of the city are poised to leverage their cultural and tourism assets.

For instance, Xiashan district, home to Zhanjiang North Railway Station, has rapidly evolved into a "gateway hub" for visitors. This designation as "the first stop for tourists in Zhanjiang" serves as more than a geographical marker; it is a key factor influencing the rest of their journey.

The Guangzhou-Zhanjiang high-speed railway links cultural sites, scenic beauty and culinary delights along its path. "With its opening, tourists can experience the catch-and-eat seafood journey, enjoying fish, shrimp and crabs raised in the pure ecological cycles of the mangroves, showcasing the synergy between ecology and economy," said Xu Hechang, a village official in Zhanjiang's Mazhang district.

Chen Yu, chairman of Guangdong Maodegong Group, a company dedicated to the cultural tourism industry in Zhanjiang, said: "The opening of the Guangzhou-Zhanjiang high-speed railway is something the local people have long awaited. With the influx of visitors, we are eager to showcase Zhanjiang's beautiful sights, delicious food, and engaging activities with friends across the country and the world."

The convenience of the high-speed railway is also vitalizing short-distance and weekend travel markets, boosting related industries such as hotels, dining and retail, and injecting vitality into local consumption. "We are working overtime to renovate the site, optimize hygiene and scenery, and prepare reception services," said Shen Guanxiong, a staff member at the May Coast Bed and Breakfast on Naozhou Island.

At a news conference held on Wednesday, Liu Chunhui, deputy director of Zhanjiang's commerce bureau, stated that the launch of the Guangzhou-Zhanjiang High-Speed Railway is being leveraged as a core driver for the entire consumption season.

"By integrating the high-speed rail network with flagship events such as 'celebrate the New Year in Zhanjiang', we are meticulously designing tailored travel routes that combine high-speed rail, winter tourism, cuisine and shopping," Liu noted.

This initiative aims to deeply integrate the city's cultural, tourism and recreational resources with high-speed rail passenger flow, enabling travelers to instantly immerse themselves in Zhanjiang's vibrant consumption scene upon arrival and seamlessly access a diverse array of consumption scenarios, he added.

Currently, the city has launched a consumer coupon campaign. It invites major enterprises including those recognized for "Zhanjiang's top 10 traditional dishes" and renowned dining establishments, ensuring that subsidy funds are used in publicly approved and high-quality dining venues.

In January and February, Zhanjiang is to host activities such as the "winter vacation study tour", offering experiences of Lingnan traditional culture, allowing families to gain knowledge and strengthen bonds during their visit.

During the conference, Chen Chen, deputy director of the city's bureau of culture, radio, television, tourism and sports, said that Zhanjiang will accelerate the quality enhancement and upgrading of its cultural and tourism sectors to deliver a premium visitor experience. Authorities will also step up investment promotion efforts and organize diverse activities to establish an integrated development model of "transportation plus cultural tourism plus consumption". The goal is to make Zhanjiang the top choice for "weekend micro-vacations" among travelers from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

haonan@chinadaily.com.cn