On October 15, as she stood atop the 99-meter tall glass observation tower known as “Xihai Star” at the Xihai Scenic Area in Lushan, Jiangxi, Du Bingyu, the deputy editor-in-chief of the Cambodian newspaper “Chinese Daily,” couldn’t help but marvel at the breathtaking views. “The misty beauty of Lushan Xihai makes it truly unforgettable,” she exclaimed.

The 2024 Overseas Chinese Media Tour in Jiangxi arrived at this stunning locale, where more than 20 journalists and editors from 18 countries and regions across five continents experienced the romance and leisure that the picturesque lakes and mountains have to offer. Spanning 308 square kilometers, the Lushan Xihai Scenic Area is a vast mountain-lake attraction with emerald waters dotted with countless islands, connected by uniquely designed bridges that embody ‘Eastern aesthetic beauty.’

The journalists embarked on a boat journey to the islands, immersing themselves in the enchanting scene where “sky and water merge into one, and boats glide through emerald waters.” As they gazed from the bow, the mist-shrouded mountains surrounding Lushan Xihai appeared like a delicate ink painting, ethereal and elegant.

At the observation tower’s elevator entrance, Du Bingyu hesitated due to her fear of heights but eventually summoned the courage to step onto the viewing platform. “The stunning scenery helped me overcome my fear,” she shared, committing to continue reporting on Lushan Xihai so that people in Cambodia can discover such a beautiful place in China.

In recent years, as economic growth and living standards have improved, people have increasingly prioritized quality of life and experiences. Many young individuals are choosing to escape the urban hustle on holidays, leading to a surge in demand for outdoor and nature tourism.

Chen Guoqing, the manager of the island management department at Jiangxi Lushan Xihai State-owned Tourism Development Company, highlighted the area’s rich natural resources, which include top-grade water quality, fresh air, and unique islands. The convenient transportation and prime location within a tourist hotspot provide a solid foundation for tourism development.

Harnessing these resources, the Lushan Xihai Scenic Area is not only advancing traditional activities such as lake tours and island visits but also enhancing its tourism offerings through innovative “tourism plus” initiatives. New models integrating outdoor activities, cultural tourism, and agricultural experiences have emerged, unlocking products like orange picking and fishing.

In the golden autumn of October, visitors flocked to Yijiahe Village in Zhelin Town to pick oranges. “To build a 10,000-acre orange industry park, we are developing sorting, refrigeration, and processing centers for oranges, continuously expanding the deep-processing industry chain while upgrading touristic infrastructure,” stated Chen Quanmin, the village party secretary.

“The romance of Lushan Xihai lifts my spirits and relaxes my body and mind,” remarked Cai Youming, the executive editor of the Philippines’ “Business Daily.” He noted that the high levels of negative oxygen ions in the air make it an ideal location for health and wellness tourism. Cai is optimistic that through the promotion by overseas Chinese media, more expatriates and their descendants will come to appreciate Lushan Xihai.

Cai emphasized that the area’s ecology is the bedrock of its thriving tourism industry. He urged that local advantages of the stunning landscapes should be fully leveraged to offer a diverse array of exquisite travel routes.