Wudang district in Guiyang is teeming with lush mountains and crystal-clear waters and is an ideal summer retreat. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang district]

Guiyang has become a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the summer heat, with travel bookings surging by an impressive 174 percent compared to last year, according to statistics recently released by Ctrip.

Situated at 26 degrees north latitude, with an average altitude of 1,100 meters, a forest coverage rate of 55 percent, and an air quality rate of 100 percent, Guiyang enjoys an average summer temperature of 23 C, making it an ideal summer retreat.

Over 100,000 people choose Guiyang as their summer residence each year, embracing it as a lifestyle choice.

Guiyang boasts over 1,000 parks and 7,300 tourist attractions scattered throughout the city. Visitors can explore canyons and waterfalls, delve into underground caves, and enjoy a variety of mountain activities such as hiking, camping, paddleboarding, spelunking, canyoning, and rock climbing.

The city also hosts roadside concerts and cultural performances, creating unforgettable summer experiences for tourists.

"The Guiyang Marathon is fantastic, benefiting from Guiyang's cool climate and rich culinary offerings. Running and tourism combined, I plan to come back next year", said a young runner from Chongqing. "After the run, watching a roadside concert in the evening helps me unwind and rejuvenate".

To accommodate the influx of tourists, Guiyang has rolled out a variety of homestays and high-standard hotels. This year, the city added 13 new high-standard hotels, bringing the total to 323.

It now offers 1,206 operational or soon-to-be-operational rural homestay products, with 10,078 rooms and over 16,000 beds. These accommodations are equipped with air conditioning, televisions, wireless internet, and shared kitchens, providing convenience and comfort for travelers.

"I practice 'migratory bird' retirement, spending summers in Guiyang and winters in Guangzhou. The accommodation and services in the city are excellent, and I plan to stay longer this year", said a tourist from Guangdong province.

Guiyang has introduced four categories of summer travel products: leisure, folk culture, rural scenery, and wellness. These offerings help visitors understand local customs and provide beautiful settings for outdoor activities and various health and wellness options, noted a local official.

The Surf Town at Guiyang Taoyuan Reservoir in Xiuwen county recently made a stunning debut. As  the first comprehensive water sports facility in Guiyang, it showcases the city's innovative use of natural resources and offers new and exciting tourism activities.

Guiyang travel authorities have launched a WeChat applet functioning as a residential map, providing users with one-stop services for searching, booking, checking in, reviewing, and exploring travel tips.

Furthermore, Guiyang has optimized travel transportation services, conducted multi-department joint law enforcement, and ensured smooth operations at key tourist areas during the summer season. These efforts aim to provide a high level of tourism services and maintain a favorable market environment.

A campsite in Wudang district, Guiyang. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang district]