Explainer | Zhaoqing grows tourism dollars on Seven Star Crags, legends of Justice Bao and Jesuit Matteo Ricci
- Seven Star Crags and the legends of Justice Bao, Matteo Ricci are among key attractions that keep tourism dollars flowing in Zhaoqing
- Eco-friendly industries are among five major areas promoted by city officials under its five-year plan through 2020
About 70 per cent of its roughly 15,000 square kilometres area are covered by scenic forests, lakes and rivers, making them a magnet to millions of visitors annually. Zhaoqing made eco-friendly industries among five so-called priority areas of focus under its five-year development plan lasting from 2016 to 2020.
The city, which got its present name during the Song dynasty (960-1279), was home to some of the illustrious names in Chinese history, including the legendary Justice Bao and Italian Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci. Not surprisingly, they became some of the city’s bigger selling points to local and foreign tourists.
Revenue from domestic and international tourism grew 5.1 per cent in 2019 to US$5 billion, according to official data. The government plans to build more hotels and tourist facilities in the next five year to spur the industry, which now represents over 40 per cent of the local economy. It aims to receive 60 million visitors in 2025, up from 45.3 million last year.
Zhaoqing is reachable in two hours from Kowloon in Hong Kong by high-speed train, which has been in operation since July 2019. Below are six top tourist hotspots to consider on your next trip to the city.
1. Seven Star Crags
The Seven Star Crags is surrounded by the Star Lake and is ranked as the top destination in the city by travel website TripAdvisor. The limestone cave complex obtained its name by its appearance that resembles the seven brilliant stars of the Big Dipper. The limestone pillars are said to represent stars that fell from the sky, according to local folklore.