Hangzhou and Huangshan, geographically close and culturally connected, have been pioneers in the integration of the Yangtze River Delta. In recent years, frequent exchanges and interactions between Hangzhou and Huangshan have explored new paths and methods for cooperation. With the construction of the Hangzhou-Huangshan World-Class Corridor, the two cities have taken the opportunity to jointly leverage quality resources along the corridor. On May 22, they announced a mutual benefit policy for culture and tourism, allowing citizens of both cities to enjoy scenic spots together.

This policy involves over 30 scenic spots across Hangzhou and Huangshan. From now until December 2024, Huangshan residents visiting Lin’an, Chun’an, Jiande, and Tonglu in Hangzhou can enjoy free admission or half-price tickets at selected attractions. Additionally, every Wednesday in May and June, 14 Grade 4A and above scenic spots in Huangshan, including Mount Huangshan, Hongcun, and Xidi, will offer free entry to Hangzhou residents. In Yi County, Huangshan, five scenic spots—Nanping, Pingshan, Daguling, Lucun, and Tachuan—will offer free first-entry tickets to Hangzhou residents throughout 2024.

Lin’an’s hotels and homestays are also showing great hospitality. From May to December 2024, Huangshan residents with valid IDs can enjoy various discounts at 30 hotels and 139 homestays in Lin’an. “We have always had a close cooperation with the tourism markets in Hangzhou and Huangshan, sending around 50,000 tourists to Huangshan annually,” said Wang Jiangen, president of the Lin’an Tourism Industry Association. He believes that the newly announced discount policy will further compel Lin’an to enhance the quality of its tourism products and cultural image, providing a better experience for tourists from both cities.

To further strengthen the interconnection of the cultural and tourism markets in both cities and promote the integration of tourism with related industries, the Hangzhou Travel Agencies Association and the Huangshan Travel Agencies Association have signed a guest exchange framework agreement. Gao Zeru, president of the Huangshan Travel Agencies Association, said that the two sides will deepen cooperation around brand co-construction, market sharing, guest exchange, and promotion. “The main goal is to attract tourists to Huangshan, Hangzhou, and Lin’an, showcasing new tourism formats and products in Hangzhou and Huangshan.”

Currently, Hangzhou and Huangshan are leveraging their excellent natural ecology and cultural tourism resources to develop high-quality, distinctive tourism, accelerating the construction of international tourist destinations, and creating a golden tourist route along the Hangzhou-Huangshan World-Class Corridor. Additionally, they released eight different themed golden tour lines: the Zhejiang-Anhui Mountain and Water Cultural Heritage Tour, the Ancient Style and National Trend Experience Tour, the Zhejiang-Anhui Self-Driving Tour, the Hui-Hang Ancient Road Hiking Adventure Tour, the Beautiful Countryside Flower-Seeking and Exploration Tour, the Ice and Snow Romantic Camping Tour, the Three Rivers and Two Banks Cultural Exploration Tour, and the Huizhou-Style Parent-Child Study Tour.