Zhouzhi and Lantian counties in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, made the 2024 list of China's top 100 counties in tourism development potential, ranking 2nd and 18th, respectively, according to the 2024 National County Tourism Development Research Report recently announced in Beijing.
The data reveal that the top 100 counties with the most potential for tourism development in 2024 are spread across 22 provinces, with five counties in Shaanxi making the list.
Zhouzhi lies south of the Qinling Mountains and is bordered by the Weihe River to the north. Known for its mountains and rivers, the county is aptly named for its abundant natural beauty. With a total area of 2,974 square kilometers and a forest coverage rate of 66.6 percent, it has been designated as a "natural oxygen bar in China".
This year, several villages in Zhouzhi have been selected as city-level traditional villages and provincial beautiful and livable demonstration villages. Multiple tourist routes have been promoted as high-quality tourism routes by the province.
Lantian boasts rich historical and cultural heritage, including the Lantian Peking Man Site, Shuilu Temple, and historical sites like the Cai Wenji Memorial Hall and Tangyu Hot Springs.
The abundant historical and cultural heritage and picturesque rural landscapes of Lantian have not only injected new vitality into its tourism industry, but also provided visitors with more diverse tourism experiences and exploration opportunities.