Lin Min

linmin67@hotmail.com

THE “hottest” tourist city this winter in China is undoubtedly the picturesque ice city Harbin in Northeast China, which has become an internet sensation.

To the envy of most cities eager to receive an influx of tourists to stimulate local consumption, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province welcomed a whopping 3.04 million visitors, raking in 5.91 billion yuan (US$832.39 million) in tourism revenue, during the three-day New Year holiday.

Shenzhen is also one of the 10 most popular tourist destinations in the country this holiday. During the three-day holiday, the city attracted 2.37 million tourists and pocketed 1.65 billion yuan in tourism revenue. Yet, as impressive as Shenzhen’s performance has been, it’s clear that Harbin sets an invaluable example in tourism planning and promotion.

At the core of Harbin’s allure is its renowned annual ice and snow festival, a spectacle that unfolds over two months. However, such mesmerizing splendors don’t materialize by chance. Meticulous planning lies at the heart of the city’s growing popularity. Harbin’s officials disclosed that the city had meticulously prepared for an influx of tourists for over a year.

In an effort to ensure visitors’ comfort and delight, the city deployed inventive strategies, such as hoisting a 5-meter-diameter artificial moon above a square using a drone. Additionally, small warm houses were erected to provide solace for tourists unaccustomed to the freezing temperatures, particularly those arriving from southern China.

To make it easier for tourists to savor Harbin’s popular frozen pears, consumed whole in bowls by locals, the city has even introduced frozen sliced pears served on platters. When an overwhelming influx of visitors made hailing a taxi a challenge, local residents took matters into their own hands, organizing a fleet of about 300 private vehicles to provide free rides to tourists.

Today’s tourists seek more than mere sightseeing; they desire meaningful experiences. Harbin sets a high standard as an example of how to pamper and respect tourists, providing them with fulfilling and memorable experiences. By focusing on delivering such experiences, Shenzhen, with its inclusive culture, can elevate its appeal and attract more tourists from both domestic and international backgrounds.

Beyond Shenzhen’s captivating coastal charm, offering mesmerizing beaches, sea views, and a lush cityscape embellished with over 1,200 parks, the city also stands as a shopping paradise and a haven for foodies.

However, to stay ahead of the curve, Shenzhen needs to offer something new that attracts more tourists and builds a unique brand. While Harbin basks in its reputation as a hot tourist city due to its icy spectacles, Shenzhen has the potential to rebrand itself as a cool high-tech tourist city — especially alluring to young travelers from around the world.

As a hub of high-tech innovation, Shenzhen possesses a rich array of cutting-edge technologies that can significantly enhance its tourism appeal. For instance, the city recently introduced low-altitude flights in Bao’an and Yantian utilizing state-of-the-art eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, promising adventure-seeking tourists an unparalleled experience. These futuristic aircraft not only cater to thrill-seekers but also offer a unique opportunity for photo enthusiasts and social media fanatics to capture memorable moments.

Designated driverless car experience zones near or within tourist attractions, augmented reality (AR) tours that animate historical landmarks such as Nantou Ancient Town and Dapeng Fortress, and robots and autonomous vehicles at major transportation hubs can also be introduced to collectively showcase Shenzhen’s technological prowess while offering visitors an unparalleled futuristic travel experience.

In a world where social media holds significant sway, harnessing its influence is vital for amplifying a city’s appeal. Harbin’s rise as an internet sensation owes much to influencer engagement and the circulation of entertaining short videos that made “Erbin,” a playful nickname for Harbin, a trending topic across social media platforms.

Video clips of a group of 11 children from Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in South China, on an educational trip to Harbin, quickly captured the hearts of netizens nationwide. Donning adorable orange outfits, these kids were affectionately dubbed the “little tangerines” due to their resemblance to the fruit. Their endearing escapades in the ice city not only charmed viewers but also augmented Harbin’s popularity across social media platforms.

In this age of social media, it’s crucial for Shenzhen’s tourism authority to prioritize the creation of new and visually appealing sites and installations that are deemed Instagrammable. A dedicated task force comprising individuals adept in social media will also play a significant role in spearheading tourism promotion and marketing efforts.

(The author is a deputy editor-in-chief of Shenzhen Daily.)