Thrilling rafting trips boost summer tourism in central China

For those seeking an exhilarating adventure and a refreshing escape during the summer, rafting is an ideal choice. A 6.5-kilometer-long canyon rafting route in Yichang City, Hubei Province has not only brought joy to visitors, but also contributed to the vibrancy of local tourism.

Since launching the rafting experience in April, the Chaotianhou scenic spot in Yichang has welcomed over 350,000 visitors, a year-on-year increase of 30 percent.

Beyond open-air rafting, the experience also includes cave rafting. Known for consistently cool temperatures and immersive environments, cave rafting enriches tourists' experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of their visit.

A night rafting program has also been introduced. After sunset, the river channel is illuminated with brilliant lights, allowing tourists to explore a fresh way of enjoying the water under the stars.

"It's like getting a two-day, one-night experience. You can try all three types of rafting – you can literally raft from morning till night," said Chen Hongqing, a tourist.

As an engaging addition to the region's summer tourism offerings, the new rafting experience has extended tourists' stays and boosted their spending in the area.