County tourism brings new life to Jinan’s rural areas

Jinan drew many visitors during the National Day holiday, with rural scenery, cultural attractions, and immersive local experiences highlighting county tourism's growing popularity in China as travelers opt for longer, more leisurely stays in smaller towns over quick sightseeing trips.

Baili Farm in Mashan town, Changqing district, quickly became a popular destination for its natural scenery and rural activities, drawing an average of over 5,000 visitors a day from Oct 1 to 7, for a total of more than 50,000 visits.

Mingshui Ancient Town in Zhangqiu district turned its spring culture and Song Dynasty (960–1279) heritage into diverse tourism offerings, with themed markets, traditional-style performances, and nighttime shows boosting business for nearby hotels, restaurants, and stores.

Jiyang district's Yellow River Culture Block brought the Yellow River basin's culture to life through interactive street performers, daytime shows, evening performances, and bonfire gatherings.

Jinan has expanded its county-level logistics network to support the holiday tourism booms, with major retailers opening more than 30 stores in districts including Changqing, Zhangqiu and Laiwu. Logistics centers and township commercial hubs have also improved distribution services in rural areas.

Tourist destinations have upgraded services, expanded parking, improved visitor routes, and strengthened price supervision to ensure a smoother holiday experience.

Local communities are also benefiting, with a rural innovation base in Lunan village offering free livestreaming facilities and e-commerce training to help villagers sell agricultural products nationwide. Baili Farm has also prioritized hiring local residents, helping some migrant workers find jobs close to home.

　County tourism booms in Jinan, as more travelers explore the city's rural landscapes. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]