Compared to this emerging market gap, there are very few qualified scenic areas in China. In Ordos, Inner Mongolia, however, there exists such a high-quality wellness tourism destination—that is the Zhungeer Zhao Tourist Area. At the core of the tourist area lies Zhungeer Zhao, which is the largest, oldest, and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist Gelug monastery complex in the Ordos region, and also a national key cultural relics protection unit. The tourist area is now a national AAAA-level scenic spot. The reason why Zhungeer Zhao Tourist Area has earned its place on the list lies in its ability to skillfully address the “core issues” of wellness self-driving tourism.
Core advantages highlight the appeal of Zhungeer Zhao Tourist Area
The core issue of self-driving tours is public services and logistical support. These two aspects are unavoidable if you want a comfortable trip. Zhungeer Zhao Tourist Area enjoys an obvious locational advantage and convenient transportation. It is only 21 kilometers from the grassland new city of Kangbashi and is connected by a dedicated tourist route; it is only 40 kilometers from Dongsheng District of Ordos City and is accessible via a highway; meanwhile, a dedicated tourist route at the Lukou Toll Station of the Rongwu Expressway is about to open. Within the tourist area, a parking lot capable of accommodating nearly 500 small vehicles has been put into use; a restaurant serving both vegetarian and regular meals with a capacity of 1,000 diners has also begun trial operations; the accommodation offers a quiet and upscale environment and can host up to 300 guests simultaneously. It can be said that there are no concerns or obstacles for self-driving travelers at Zhungeer Zhao Tourist Area.
As for the core issue of wellness, it lies in variety and effectiveness. In March, the U.S. Forbes website published an article stating that Chinese people are increasingly valuing their physical health and wellness. Survey results from research institutions show that nearly 90% of Chinese consumers have begun to re-examine their dietary habits, and concepts of health and consumption are also changing. Particularly among those born in the 1960s and 1970s, there is greater emphasis on the concept of wellness compared to the past.
In such a market environment, a wellness tourism destination needs to have clear flagship offerings. The distinctive wellness programs offered by Zhungeer Zhao are precisely premium products favored by the market. Among them, wellness projects that help regulate bodily functions and eliminate toxins—such as hot springs + medicinal baths, vegetarian meals + wellness, and Traditional Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan medical treatments—are bound to become key reasons for tourists to choose to visit.
Cultural heritage extends a land of accumulated virtue
Zhungeer Zhao is also known as "Baotang Temple" and has a history of 395 years, making it ancient indeed. Over the long years, the temple architecture combines the characteristics of the Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han ethnicities, serving as a concentrated embodiment of ethnic integration. At the same time, rich religious ceremonies and historical legends are highlights of the tourist area. Cham dance drives away demons and heals illness, Mani meetings offer alms and relief, Oboo gatherings are full of tender emotions, and the Lantern Festival anticipates a bright future... A wealth of interesting activities embodies the local people’s pursuit of goodness and beauty, as well as their boundless love and aspiration for life. Blessed by this land of accumulated virtue, even temporary visitors will receive blessings.
Currently, it is the best season for Zhungeer Zhao Tourist Area to offer an in-depth self-driving experience. It is believed that this new form of travel can open new horizons for the industry and lead to the discovery of more destinations that combine history, culture, wellness, and sources of fortune. Because “discovering beauty” is the ultimate reward of travel.