Even as the glow of Spring Festival fades, Chongqing is already bustling again. Lanterns shimmer above the stilted houses of Hongyadong. Crowds move through the old lanes of Ciqikou. In the karst landscapes of Wulong, the interplay of mist and winter light reshapes the mountains, giving the scenery an almost surreal look.

Often described as China's "8D city" for its layered skyline and dramatic terrain, Chongqing has become one of the country’s most talked-about travel destinations.

But for Gao Lin, tourism is not just about visitor numbers or viral views.

As a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Gao also serves as director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development. Her work sits at the crossroads of heritage protection and the tourism industry.

For Gao, cultural heritage is the living memory of a city.

In Chongqing, wartime sites from the 1930s and 1940s are being preserved, and a network of archaeological parks is also taking shape along the Yangtze River.

One highlight is White Crane Ridge, an underwater site carved with ancient inscriptions that once recorded the river's seasonal rhythms. Today, visitors can view these carvings beneath the water through new exhibition technology.

At the same time, the city is exploring how technology can bring local culture to life. Drone light shows, film productions and digital museum displays are all part of the effort.

For Gao, the challenge is balance: protecting the city's roots while allowing it to grow into a global cultural destination.

The goal, she says, is not just to attract visitors. It is to help them understand the spirit of Bayu – the historical name for this region – where rivers, mountains and everyday life have helped shape a distinctive cultural identity.