"Finding a place that appeals to you, whether it's climbing to a high point for a view or wandering through fields. Watching forests and mountain mist, tasting farm tea and meals, listening to birds chirping. Or, taking a bus or subway alone to visit an old residence or historical site in the city, sipping a fragrant tea, reflecting on the objects before you, delving deep, savoring and pondering—taking a journey through time and space in the depths of your soul..." This is a netizen’s sincere impression of 'micro-travel' posted on a travel forum. Currently in the traditional off-season for tourism, reporters have learned that, much like the popularity of microblogs, micro-films, and micro-novels, 'micro-travel' is being increasingly accepted and noticed by city dwellers. Without the need to meticulously plan an itinerary or pack luggage, going for an impromptu 'stroll-style' trip to urban streets or nearby suburbs is seeing a surge in popularity during this travel off-season.
Regional Practices: Developing Unique 'Micro-Tourism' During Off-Season
Recently, an inspection team composed of officials from the Yangzhou Tourism Bureau and heads of over 20 travel agencies in Yangzhou visited Taizhou, Zhejiang, where they engaged in tourism collaboration and exchange between the two regions.
Reporters learned that in Huangyan District, Taizhou—a major producer of mandarin oranges—the small fruit has been utilized to its fullest: there are thousands of acres of orange orchards open for picking, and China’s first citrus museum has been built. The museum’s exhibition halls display nearly a thousand carefully collected citrus culture specimens, along with thousands of years of documented development of citrus culture through various classic texts, as well as thousands of poems and verses. There are also physical documents and practical tools showcasing the development of the modern citrus industry, and even a 'citrus wall' made of several tons of oranges, truly pushing the use of oranges to its limits.
In addition, Huangyan District’s annual citrus-picking festival also attracts many visitors. Beyond traditional activities like picking oranges, what draws even more attention are the folk culture streets within the orchards. Folk performances once popular in the land of oranges, such as Daoqing storytelling and the little basket carriers,
as well as traditional trades like fried rice and mat weaving, have all been authentically recreated and presented on-site.
A staff member from the Taizhou Tourism Bureau stated that October to December is the traditional off-season for tourism. However, coinciding with the mandarin orange harvest season, they hope to use oranges as a draw to attract more visitors. "Many of those who come to the orange orchards are families from the city. Quite a few bring their children for fresh air and a stroll, and they all really enjoy this casual and comfortable 'micro-tourism' experience," said a Mr. Wu, head of a local travel agency in Taizhou.
Local Resources: 'Micro-Tourism' Opportunities Around the City
"The Qiyang Expressway runs east-west, and starting from Yangzhou North, it takes just 40 minutes to reach Shaobo. The convenience of transportation makes micro-tourism possible for Yangzhou hikers," said Ren Zhongming, deputy town head of Shaobo Town and the official in charge of tourism. Urbanites engaging in 'stroll-style' tourism can easily head to Shaobo’s Luyang Lake or Ailing Lake.
It is understood that Luyang Lake and Ailing Lake are ecological wetlands with fresh air, serving as natural oxygen bars. They are ideal for young people working in the fast-paced city to relieve stress during holidays. Moreover, with local chicken and duck farms nearby, one could easily get in the car from the city and, in less than an hour, embark on a relaxing journey for the mind.
Ren Zhongming also revealed that the renovation of historic residences in Shaobo Ancient Town will be carried out in phases: the first step will involve renovating historical sites in the Ming and Qing imitation ancient style, with Dongxun’s Study and the Patrol Inspection Office as key focuses. The second step will be the imitation ancient-style renovation of general residences.
Once renovated, Shaobo Ancient Town will feature nearly 10,000 square meters of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture characterized by the town’s preserved history. Here, visitors can not only taste local delicacies such as Shaobo beef sausages and Shaobo crayfish, but also experience traditional crafts like how sesame oil is ground and how seals are carved through live demonstrations and interactive activities.
Reporters also learned that a characteristic of 'micro-tourism' is experiencing things from a small perspective. In the development of tourism products in nearby counties and districts around Yangzhou, there has been a growing trend in this direction recently: aside from Shaobo, Baoying Bailudao Ecotourism Area invites tourists during the golden autumn season with its hairy crabs, making the most of the 'crab theme'; Yizheng Zaolinwan offers a variety of 'land, sea, and air' activities for sports enthusiasts, including go-karts, water yachts, and paragliding; Huchang Village in Xihu Town is famed for its old duck soup, and several local agritainment spots keep visitors lingering with this delicious dish...
"Doing tourism well, focusing on developing and refining a unique feature, leaving a deep impression on guests, and providing them with a delightful experience that refreshes both body and mind—'micro-tourism' can also have a significant impact," said a rural tourism official.
Development Prospects: The 'Micro-Tourism' Market Awaits Exploration
Reporters learned yesterday from several travel agencies in the city that so-called 'micro-tourism' generally refers to short one-day trips to surrounding counties and districts of Yangzhou, or to cities within 300 kilometers—characterized by convenience, spontaneity, affordability, and good value.
"Judging from the overall situation at present, some of the travel routes offered by agencies still haven’t achieved the kind of carefree, go-anywhere-and-do-anything state that micro-tourism pursues," said a head of a travel agency on Wenchang Middle Road. Therefore, those who enjoy 'micro-tourism' usually engage in independent travel. "Although micro-tourism is similar to traditional nearby travel, it places higher demands on the quality of the travel experience and the comfort of leisure and vacation."
Industry insiders pointed out that Yangzhou possesses relatively rich 'micro-tourism' resources. Whether it’s the 5.09-square-kilometer ancient city streets, the scenic banks of the ancient canal, or the idyllic countryside of surrounding suburban counties, all offer opportunities for a spontaneous half-day or full-day outing. To cater to the needs of specific groups, tourism businesses must design personalized, high-quality travel products with creative packaging to capture the 'micro' travel market.
Officials from the city tourism bureau also stated that citizens’ attention to micro-tourism reflects a shift in concepts of travel and leisure. With rising living standards, people are paying more attention to the physical and mental pleasure brought by travel, rather than tiring themselves out visiting multiple attractions just for the sake of showing off. "Yangzhou’s slow pace of life leaves a deep impression on many visitors and is highly suitable for relaxation and leisure. Therefore, Yangzhou has great potential for developing this kind of high-quality leisure and vacation tourism."