PR99426

CHONGQING, Jan. 10, 2023 /Xinhua=KYODO JBN/--

In January 2023, the 13th China Three Gorges International Tourism Festival on

the Yangtze River was held in Wanzhou District in southwest China's Chongqing.

The Concert of World Great Rivers was held along the banks of the Yangtze

River, so were other colorful supporting activities such as the Three Gorges

food culture festival and Wanzhou grilled fish festival, greatly enhancing the

overall brand image of the Three Gorges tourism.

Wanzhou District is the "living room" of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.

As an important coordinate of the great passage of the Yangtze River

civilization, it has profound historical and cultural heritage. It is the

poetic destination sung by the literati of all ages, and also a new starting

point for the modern tourism of the Three Gorges, according to the Publicity

Department of Wanzhou District.

The Yangtze River passes through the city, and the Three Gorges reservoir makes

the waters in Wanzhou look like a traditional Chinese painting and a mysterious

wonderland. Surrounded by a clear lake and green mountains, the 175-meter

Yangtze River water line endows Wanzhou with an impressive view of a vast flat

lake emerging from gorges, making the city one of China's most beautiful cities

with a mountain-and-river landscape.

Profound culture and history could be found almost everywhere in Wanzhou.

Through thousands of years, Bayu culture, Three Gorges culture and immigrant

culture have blended and developed here, leaving countless scenic spots. Folk

performances like local clapper talk, bamboo opera and drum opera carry on the

cultural heritage and modern charm of the time-honored city.

Based on the 25-km riverside landscape, Wanzhou has turned the city into a

national 5A scenic area, allowing citizens to live in the scenic area. The

city's urban landscape design is a masterpiece of the changing times, as well

as the determination and sincerity of Wanzhou people.

It's a good choice to start a tour of the Yangtze River section in Wanzhou from

the Xishan bell tower. This landmark building, as famous as its counterparts of

Shanghai customs house and Hankow customs house in Wuhan, has witnessed the

history of the opening of port and trade in Wanzhou. Now the melodious bell is

still in tune with the beat of the new era every minute.

Climbing up from the core business district of Gaosuntang, one can find dozens

of tour inscriptions by famous scholars and sophisticated monks in the ancient

dynasties on the walls of Literati Mountain Taibai. The mountain is a frequent

place for tourists to visit. Climbing to the top of the mountain can not only

offer a way to exert one's ambition, but also a panoramic view of Wanzhou.

During leisure time, one can ride along the banks of the river, watching the

natural views as well as paddling activities. When night falls, one can boat on

the water, listen to the twists and turns of Sichuan opera, and feel the unique

charm of the famous city for Chinese folk art. One can also enjoy the new look

of the Tiansheng City cultural travel block, whose sparking brightness is

enough to let people linger.

There are many more surprises hidden in Wanzhou's streets. It's always

satisfying to choose the famous three delicacies of grilled fish, steamed meat

and sauce noodle, but the most popular food among young diners are the street

snacks. Those humble stands, hiding in the depths of bustling areas, have been

there for decades, with long queues of diners as proof of their delicious

taste. Just find a restaurant to sit down, and enjoy the meals, wine, and

midnight snack amid constant customer calls for more food, which make up the

most unique local flavors in this city.

Today's Wanzhou, is embracing the whole world with openness. The operation of

Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed railway, the Yangtze River golden cruise ship

and the busy flights at Wanzhou Airport are giving new vitality to the golden

route touring the Three Gorges via Wanzhou, which is the first renowned tourist

route promoted overseas by China. More and more tourists from home and abroad

are attracted to visit Wanzhou and enjoy the scenic views of the Three Gorges.

Source: The Publicity Department of Wanzhou District

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=437083

   Caption: The ancient Xishan bell tower, facing green waters and mountains, stands

witness to Wanzhou's new development.