The 2024 National Hot Air Balloon Open is held in Wuyi county, Jinhua, in November. [Photo/Tide News]
The unveiling of the "2024 Yangtze River Delta Sports Tourism Boutique Projects" list recently displayed 52 projects from Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Anhui. The 2024 National Hot Air Balloon Open in Wuyi county, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, made the list of sports tourism boutique competitions.
This event occurred at the Huatianmeidi scenic area last November, marking the Yangtze River Delta's first national hot air balloon competition. It attracted 30 teams from across the country, painting the sky with colorful balloons against picturesque landscapes, creating a captivating blend of sport and art.
Liu Tao from the Aviation Radio Model Motion Management Center of the General Administration of Sport highlighted Wuyi's selection due to its recognition as a national sports industry demonstration base. It boasts the well-equipped Dadoushan Flight Camp and favorable terrain and weather conditions for hot air ballooning.
Beyond a mere competition, the hot air balloon event seamlessly integrates culture and tourism, encompassing attractions like the Huatianmeidi and the Dahongyan scenic areas. Wuyi utilized the event to develop tourism routes themed around "hot air balloon + hot spring" and "hot air balloon + scenic area", showcasing local cuisine and scenic beauty to boost cultural and tourism consumption.
Jinhua is capitalizing on this momentum by actively promoting events like the Jinhua Marathon, blending sports with travel experiences to attract more visitors and stimulate economic vibrancy.
