Camping has been the rage in Guizhou this year. A total of seven camping sites have been made operational in Qingzhen, a county-level city under Guiyang, says Rao Wenyan, deputy director of the city's culture, sports, radio, TV and tourism bureau.

Qingzhen has rolled out more than 17 events and activities to maintain a high tourist footfall. At the city's Xiangchou Park, creative illumination, camping and barbecue have been lined up for visitors. Around 90,000 tourists have come to the park since it opened in late July. "Yoga and baseball are a big draw among the youth, and hence, a key part of our new tourism strategy," Rao adds.

As more people are choosing the southwestern province as their summer-autumn getaway, the local authorities are actively harnessing a superior mountain ecology to drive the economy.

Li Fang, deputy head of Guizhou cultural and tourism authority, says tours are being tailored to integrate leisure and recreational activities, sightseeing, cultural creativity, and rural and agricultural experiences.