The Xinghua cultural tourism booth was the most popular exhibit at a two-day promotional event hosted by the Taizhou Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau in Changzhou and Nantong from July 31 to August 1, drawing large crowds and becoming a must-visit favorite.
The event tapped into crowds gathered at live screening venues for Jiangsu Football City League matches, with activities held at Hongyang Plaza in Changzhou and Huanxi Culture Square in Nantong.
The Changtai Yangtze River Bridge has cut travel time between Changzhou and Taizhou to about 20 minutes, and the Zhangjinggao Yangtze River Bridge, now under construction, will ease travel between Nantong and Taizhou. As a result, interest in visiting Taizhou has grown among residents of both cities.
Visitors browse creative merchandise at the Xinghua booth. [Photo/WeChat account: xinghualvyou]
At the event, the Xinghua booth offered creative merchandise inspired by Xinghua's Duotian, or raised-field landscape, including cushions with rapeseed-field prints, eye masks featuring images of women rowing boats, and canvas tote bags. Interactive games, such as a football-themed ring-toss and a Polaroid photo station, drew long queues, keeping the booth busy throughout.
Staff also promoted local attractions, including the rapeseed flower fields at Qianduo scenic area and the Lizhong Water Forest as well as Xinghua morning tea. Many visitors said they were already planning weekend trips to Xinghua to enjoy its water-town scenery.