On October 21, the 2024 Yangtze River Three Gorges Regional Tourism Cooperation Meeting, held in Wanzhou, Chongqing, brought together representatives from Chongqing and Hubei provinces to discuss their collaborative efforts to develop a world-class tourism brand centered around the renowned Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge.

The Yangtze River Three Gorges, promoted as one of China’s premier tourist destinations, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and modern hydroelectric projects. According to recent statistics, the Three Gorges cruise tourism in Chongqing welcomed a record-breaking 1.3762 million visitors in 2023.

During the meeting, Luo Shaolu, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Commission, emphasized the commitment from both regions to elevate Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges into world-class tourist attractions. They plan to enhance the integration of smart services across scenic areas and focus on improving the quality of facilities, management, services, and products. The aim is also to diversify international partnerships.

Additionally, the two regions will join forces to advocate for the inclusion of the Yangtze River Three Gorges Archaeological Site Park in the fifth batch of national archaeological site parks. This initiative is intended to create China’s first trans-provincial, cross-regional national archaeological park that encompasses multiple points.

Since the beginning of 2023, both regions have been actively promoting the “out-of-gorge, into-the-sea” initiative for the Three Gorges. Hubei has organized promotional tourism campaigns in Malaysia, France, New Zealand, and other locations, while Chongqing has launched the Bayu Culture “Going Abroad” plan and implemented practical measures to facilitate visas and customs.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Commission and Hubei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the 2024-2025 Yangtze River Three Gorges Regional Tourism Cooperation, furthering their joint tourism efforts.