The Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area has taken another small step forward on its path to internationalization. Recently, 20 internet influencers from 11 countries, including the United States, Ghana, Russia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Germany, Syria, Italy, Australia, and Ukraine, visited Zhangjiajie, Huaihua, Xiangxi, and Changde. They embarked on an in-depth journey to experience natural wonders, ethnic customs, and historical culture, giving a shout-out to Hunan's cultural tourism sector.

Bloggers savor Changde stewed rice noodles. (Photo/Tang Yue)

Zhangjiajie's unique peaks and the waterfall of Furong Town in Xiangxi have frequently gone viral on overseas social media platforms. On this trip, many bloggers came specifically for these landmarks. "It's so beautiful that no video could ever do it justice—I never knew such a place actually existed in the world!" exclaimed a former American TV actress, who was deeply moved by the scenery before her eyes. She added, "I just want to fully immerse myself in the magical power of nature. Thank you, China, for your magnificent landscapes!"

American blogger Elliana demonstrates a split high above the ground. (Photo/Tang Yue)

What really blew the bloggers' minds, however, were the extreme adventures China has incorporated into its natural scenic areas. On the 1,480-meter cliff sky ladder at Zhangjiajie's Qixing Mountain, American blogger Elliana struck a classic pose with a split. At the Aizhai Bridge in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, the high-altitude challenge course and the skywalk sent German exchange student Philip's adrenaline soaring. "It's truly eye-opening to see how China has built roads and bridges amidst such stunning natural landscapes and created these high-altitude challenges."Hunan is a multi-ethnic region, and the bloggers experienced diverse ethnic customs during their journey. A video of an American blogger dancing the bamboo pole dance with local residents at the Zhijiang Dong Cultural Park in Huaihua received over 10 million views on overseas social media platforms Instagram and Snapchat within a short period.

Ghanaian blogger, A Fu, tries her hand at making leicha (pounded tea). (Photo/Tang Yue)

The bloggers also visited Zhijiang in Huaihua. At the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum, American blogger, Kim, gazed at the names of 2,193 fallen American pilots and couldn't hold back tears. "I never knew there was such a touching collaboration between China and the United States" American blogger Elliana, who was at a low point in life and visiting China for the second time, had an unexpected encounter with local children in Zhijiang, which became the most healing moment of her trip. Elliana said, "If you're feeling down and lacking confidence, you can go to China. I've never met such friendly people—the kids came up to tell me I was beautiful, and we took photos and danced together. They even waited for me outside the restaurant to give me local drinks and watermelon. This kindness not only brightens the journey but will heal me for an entire year. It was truly a beautiful moment where two cultures intertwined."

In Changde, the bloggers slowed their pace. International travel blogger Huanhuan cycled along the shores of Liuye Lake, savoring a rare sense of relaxation,"Changde is very livable and can help people slow down." An American health blogger, Nicole, was fascinated by the concept of "medicine and food having the same origin" in leicha and took related products home.

The bloggers show great interest in Maogusi, a traditional Tujia folk performance and its unique straw costumes. (Photo/Tang Yue)

The "Chinese-style convenience" encountered on the trip also amazed the bloggers. After using Alipay to buy cold noodles at a small stall in the remote mountainous area, an American blogger, Matthew, marveled, "China's cashless payments have penetrated rural and mountainous areas—even in remote forests. As long as you have a phone, you can pay." A foreign blogger named Ruifu also admitted, "My parents wouldn't usually let my sister and me travel abroad, but they're absolutely at ease about us coming to China—it's not only safe here, but you can also get everything done with just a phone!"This trip to Hunan gave many bloggers a deeper understanding of China and inspired them to take concrete steps, such as studying abroad, traveling, and pursuing career opportunities in China. Ghanaian blogger, A Fu, said she wants to bring her whole family to China for a vacation, while Philip, an exchange student from Germany, hoped to master Chinese as soon as possible so he can bring his family back.

责编：田梦瑶

一审：田梦瑶

二审：秦慧英

三审：张权

来源：湖南省政府门户网