On the other hand, it is consolidating and expanding inbound tourism through various measures. Tian said that it has hosted international cultural, sports and tourism activities such as the 2025 International Street Dance Festival, expanding publicity and attracting fans.

Zhangjiajie is broadening its source of tourists from Europe and America, attracting 81 groups of 1,726 overseas travel agents and online influencers for familiarization tours, and organizing market entities to participate in exhibitions abroad.

The construction of the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area also brings new development opportunities for the cultural and tourism industry in Xiangxi.

Leveraging the advantages of scenery and culture, the inbound tourism market in Fenghuang county, Xiangxi, maintains decent trade during offseasons and booms during peak seasons. More overseas tourists are visiting the Fenghuang ancient town to experience the natural beauty and the cultural charm of the Miao ethnic group.

In 2025, Fenghuang county received more than 20.89 million domestic and foreign visits, a year-on-year increase of 4.44 percent, with inbound visits reaching 210,300, making it a popular destination for overseas travelers.

Walking into the Fenghuang ancient town feels like stepping back 100 years into a town hidden within the mountains and waters of Xiangxi. Stilted buildings can be seen on both sides of Tuojiang River while it becomes illuminated and bustles with folk customs as night falls. There, young men and women dressed in Miao costumes sing local songs and play Miao drums with foreign tourists stopping to enjoy the scene and interact.