Hechi to improve 'ticket stub economy' to boost tourism

Hechi in South China's Guangxi Zhang autonomous region has unveiled innovative plans to enhance tourism during this year's Sanyuesan Festival, a major festival celebrated by the Zhuang ethnic group on the third day of the third month of the traditional Chinese calendar.

Dongtian Jiuhai Scenic Area, Nandan county, Hechi city. [Photo/Guangxi Daily]

By harnessing unique traditional such as the Liu Sanjie ballads and bronze drum culture, the city aims to create immersive consumer experiences that are engaging and memorable.

In Guangxi, the March 3 of the traditional Chinese calendar is a time when many sing in the antiphonal (call-and-answer) style to find love and make new friends, as well as worship ancestors and pray for a bountiful harvest.

Hechi has introduced a "ticket stub economy," integrating tickets to music festivals, scenic areas, and sports events into one system. This allows holders to use ticket stubs as cash, enjoying discounts and promotions. Additionally, 19 scenic spots offer three days of free entry with one ticket, while 36 sites provide free or discounted entry.

During the festival and the May Day holiday, over 30,000 consumption coupons will be distributed to boost urban and rural spending. A "receipt lottery" encourages consumers with electronic invoices from designated industries to win vouchers worth 20 to 200 yuan.

The city also offers culinary experiences ethnic food tickets and longevity herbal meals. Coupled with sports events and traditional cultural markets, these initiatives aim to deliver an immersive cultural and tourism experience.