Fuyuan: As dawn breaks over Dongji Pavilion atop Fuyuan’s hill, tourists hold their breath awaiting a spectacular sunrise, setting the stage for the city’s hosting of the Seventh Tourism Industry Development Conference in Heilongjiang Province. This marks a significant milestone for the easternmost city of China, welcoming guests from around the world.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, fuyuan showcases its diverse attractions, from the youthful energy at Shell Beach Camp with its white sands and gentle river shores to the natural harmony observed at Wild Bear Park on Heixiazi Island, where bear cubs play alongside their mothers. The expansive Cranberry Base, resembling a sea of rubies, highlights the successful blend of agriculture and tourism. Meanwhile, improved port infrastructure and streamlined customs services underline Fuyuan’s ambitions to become a key regional hub for Northeast Asia.

Since its inception in 2018, the annual conference has rotated through Heilongjiang’s major cities-including Harbin, Yichun, Heihe, Mudanjiang, Daqing, and Qiqihar-driving significant advances in tourism infrastructure, public services, and regional economic growth. This steady progress is reflected in the province’s soaring visitor numbers; in 2024, Heilongjiang welcomed over 282 million tourists-a 29.1 per cent increase year-on-year-who contributed 370.12 billion Chinese yuan in spending, up 67.1 per cent from the previous year, according to the Heilongjiang Bureau of Statistics. (100 Chinese yuan = RM59.09)

The year’s conference embraces the theme ‘Creating new momentum for integration, sharing new opportunities in tourism’, prioritising simplicity, safety, and excitement. It aims to foster cooperation platforms, encourage innovation, upgrade consumption, and enhance market operations, regulatory standards, and intelligent tourism practices. Organisers anticipate the event will further invigorate Fuyuan’s tourism sector, stimulate economic vitality, and enrich local communities across Heilongjiang.