Hechi sees 20 million visitors in first 11 months

More than 20 million tourists visited Hechi in the first 11 months of 2016, up 17 percent on the previous year, and bringing in 21.7 billion yuan ($3.12 billion), up 28 percent year-on-year, according to hcwang.cn.

Among the popular local tourist attractions, Bama Longevity Health Promotion International Scenic Spots, which are spread across six counties, welcomed 11 million visitors, a year-on-year increase of 17 percent, earning 11 billion yuan, 28 percent on 2015.

Located in northwestern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Hechi sits at the south end of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, ringed in by mountain ranges.

Hechi's natural landscapes draw in visitors from across China and further afield. Attractions such as the Qibainong National Geological Park and Crystal Palace have been selected as the top natural wonders in Hechi.

Tourism is a pillar industry of Hechi's economic development.

The Minghe River in Bama Yao autonomous county is surrounded by lush fields. [Photo/gxhc.gov.cn]

Mountains loom over Panyang River in Bama Yao autonomous county. [Photo/gxhc.gov.cn]

The backs of the Qibainong mountain ranges are ridden by climbing paths in Dahua Yao autonomous county. [Photo/gxhc.gov. cn]