Nestled within the vast expanse of Hebei’s Taihang Mountains, a magnificent tapestry of natural wonders and cultural treasures awaits exploration. Spanning over eight hundred miles from south to north, the Taihang region boasts an array of breathtaking landscapes, each unique in its own way.
The southern reaches of the Taihang Mountains exude an ethereal beauty, thanks to their lush greenery and serene waters. In contrast, the northern section is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring grandeur. Among the numerous travel guides and itineraries, many Taihang attractions have gained worldwide fame, drawing hordes of tourists and generating significant revenue.
However, within the mid-section, encompassing the region of Shijiazhuang, the tourist attractions seem to fly under the radar, relatively unknown to the wider public. Why is this so? I believe the primary reason lies in the ownership and management of these scenic spots.
Shijiazhuang boasts a diverse array of scenic spots, including Tuoliang, Zhangshiyan, Cangyanshan, Wuyuezhai, and Uxushui, each worthy of a visit and deserving recognition. Locals often frequent these places, primarily for self-guided tours and road trips. But for a tourist destination to truly thrive and prosper, it must attract visitors from afar.
These visitors, often engaging in multi-day trips, contribute significantly to the local economy through their purchases of tickets, cable car rides, public transportation, as well as dining and accommodation. In contrast to Shijiazhuang’s scenic spots, destinations like Yesanpo, Baishishan, Huguan, Baoquan, Jingniang Lake, and Guoliang possess robust business operations and marketing teams, attracting large groups of tourists on organized tours.
The popularity of these destinations has, in turn, spurred the growth of various accommodation options and rural inns, further enhancing the tourism experience. This is the essence of tourism development – to create a comprehensive and interconnected experience that encompasses all aspects of travel.
I have personally organized numerous trips to Tuoliang, Zhangshiyan, and Cangyanshan, all self-guided and deeply satisfying experiences. The coolness, tranquility, verdant landscapes of Tuoliang, and the majesty, danger, and elegance of Zhangshiyan are all worthy of being showcased to travel agencies from across the country. Whether state-owned or privately run, establishing marketing teams to promote these attractions and offering preferential policies would undoubtedly boost their popularity.
In conclusion, the Taihang Mountains of Hebei, so close and yet so beautiful, offer a captivating weekend getaway. As a resident of Dezhou, Shandong, merely a 200-kilometer drive away, we eagerly await the opportunity to embrace the tourism boom, revitalize our cultural and tourism market, and foster a vibrant and mutually beneficial tourism ecosystem that integrates dining, accommodation, and entertainment.
