The number of foreign tourists visiting Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, fluctuates annually due to various factors such as the year, season, tourism policies, and international relations. Based on recent developments in Zhangjiajie's tourism industry, here is an overview and analysis of foreign tourist arrivals:
In recent years, Zhangjiajie, as a World Natural Heritage site and a national 5A-level tourist attraction, has attracted a large number of foreign tourists for tourism and sightseeing. Especially with the continuous development of Sino-South Korea relations and the gradual recovery of the tourism market, the number of South Korean tourists has increased significantly, becoming one of the main source countries for inbound tourism in Zhangjiajie.
According to publicly released information, among the foreign tourists visiting Zhangjiajie each year, South Korean tourists rank among the top. For example, in the first quarter of 2024, Zhangjiajie received inbound tourists from 101 countries and regions, totaling 261,200 person-times, of which 105,100 were South Korean tourists, accounting for 40.23% of the total. In addition, tourists from Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries are also relatively numerous.
Although detailed annual rankings of foreign tourist numbers are not available, the following general observations can be made based on recent trends:
In recent years: Zhangjiajie's inbound tourism market has continued to grow, with the number of foreign tourists increasing year by year. Especially with the opening of international air routes and the continuous improvement of tourism services, more and more foreign tourists have chosen to visit Zhangjiajie.
2024: Zhangjiajie's inbound tourism has been booming, with over 1.8 million inbound tourists received, continuing to lead similar tourist cities in China. Among them, South Korean tourists remain in the leading position.
Natural Scenery: Zhangjiajie boasts world-renowned quartz sandstone peak-forest landforms and rich natural landscapes, which are important factors attracting foreign tourists.
Cultural Factors: Influenced by Confucian culture, both China and South Korea emphasize filial piety. In South Korea, Zhangjiajie has become a typical representative of filial piety tourism destinations, with many South Koreans bringing their parents here for tourism. Additionally, several Korean dramas and variety shows have been filmed in Zhangjiajie, enhancing its popularity and influence in South Korea.
Transportation Convenience: Zhangjiajie has opened multiple direct flights to South Korea, providing convenient transportation for South Korean tourists. At the same time, Zhangjiajie has also opened multiple international and regional passenger air routes, providing more transportation options for tourists from other countries.
Tourism Policies: China has implemented a series of facilitation measures for foreigners coming to China, including visa-free entry and transit visa-free, providing a more convenient tourism environment for foreign tourists. Meanwhile, the local government of Zhangjiajie has actively carried out international tourism promotion activities, strengthening brand building and promotion.
In summary, the number of foreign tourists visiting Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, fluctuates annually due to various factors. However, overall, South Korean tourists have consistently ranked among the top, and with the gradual recovery of the tourism market and the opening of international air routes, Zhangjiajie's inbound tourism market is expected to continue to grow in the future.
