3 . An immersive and slow-paced Citywalk is becoming trendy across China. In contrast to rushing past overcrowded tourist landmarks, the new trend has emerged as a popular alternative to explore bustling markets, ancient streets, and charming alleys at a leisurely pace.

The appeal of Citywalk caters particularly to the younger generation often caught up in demanding work schedules. As evidenced by the increasing popularity of hash tags like “City walk for vacation” on lifestyle sharing platform Xiaohong shu, with a staggering 465 million views and nearly 464, 600 engagements, the trend is truly capturing unbelievable attention.

Citywalk, or meandering through the urban landscapes, means the act of walking freely along city streets unburdened by exhaustive plans. It offers people an avenue to intimately experience urban culture and local traditions. Citywalk is not merely about sightseeing. It creates an opportunity for social interactions and deep connections with the cities. Citywalk routes are tailored to the specific interests of both out-of-town tourists and locals. For tourists, the focus is on sharing local customs and traditions, while for locals, discussions revolve around the city’s past, present, and future. The growing trend of Citywalk reflects a changing attitude towards life, embracing a warmer, more relaxed, and slower-paced lifestyle.

As Citywalk expands beyond first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, to second-and third-tier cities across the county, it brings fresh opportunities for the tourism industry, in such areas as dining, shopping, and accommodation.

Governments in Beijing and Shandong have recognized the potential of Citywalk, incorporating it into their action plans to promote cultural tourism and leisure activities. In Shanghai, public bus lines specially designed have been introduced to elevate the overall Citywalk for participants.

“By slowing down and delving into the narrow alleys, observing the lives of city residents, and immersing oneself in the context of museums and art galleries, one is entitled to embrace the pleasure of life,” said Luo Jun, a cultural tourism enthusiast.

6 . On an early winter morning, as roosters crow to greet the dawn, and a wisp of smoke rises above the farmhouse roof, villagers in South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have started a busy day ahead of the Spring Festival.

“We’ve kept a running list of deals and ingredients for the big dinner on New Year’s Eve”, said 32-year-old Pan Zaoxiang in Longji township. Dressed in her holiday best — the traditional clothing of the Yao ethnic group, Pan was born and raised in Dazhai village, located in the core area of the famous tourist attraction of Longji Rice Terraces (梯田).

The village has been named among the Best Tourism Villages of 2022 by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for its breathtaking agricultural view, but Pan said they used to struggle to make ends meet. Surrounded by mountains, Dazhai village was very hard to get to, with only one narrow mud path zigzagging down the hills. Daily necessities and products for farm work could only be delivered by carts. “When I was a child, I longed for the outside world, but that usually took a day and a night to reach the nearest downtown on foot,” said Pan.

Facing the harsh living conditions and the deteriorating ecological environment, the Dazhai villagers turned to the mountains and the massive land cultivated by the elder generations. By cooperating with tourism companies from the tourist city Guilin, villagers became stakeholders (股东) in developing the land into a unique terraced landscape. “My family plants nearly 10,000 mu of rice on the terraced fields, and that means a year-end bonus of over 10,000 yuan,” Pan said.

Villagers like Pan also sniffed out the growing business opportunities in catering and accommodation as more visitors poured in. During this year’s Spring Festival, around 230 homestays across the village are expected to be fully booked, said Yu Qiongtong, Party chief of Dazhai. “I have prepared an abundance of local cuisines and specialties such as sausages, chilies, and sticky rice in bamboo to welcome tourists during the upcoming new year,” Pan said.

Celebrations and various kinds of activities will also be held to present the rich history of the Yao ethnic group. Tourists from home and abroad have great interest not only in the beautiful landscape but the culture, said Pan.

7 . When you stay at one of the eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, it’s hard to tell where relaxation ends, and exhilaration begins. That’s because you’re close to the parks. And when you’re in the parks, you’re close to your hotel! That means you can take the day your way, without the hustle and hassle of planning everything down to the minute. So, you can do what you want- when you want. This is how you do Universal. No matter which one you choose, the fun keeps going. Check out the privileges that make every moment count.

Premier (高级的) hotel guests, skip the regular lines at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Hotel guests get in early each morning.

Universal Studios Florida: May 27-May 28, 2023 (Up to 1 hour earlier)

Universal’s Islands of Adventure: March 6-June 30, 2023 (Up to 1 hour earlier)

Universal’s Volcano Bay: Jan 1-May 26, 2023 (Up to 1 hour earlier)

May 27-June 30, 2023 (Up to 1 hour earlier)

Want to shop without carrying your purchases around? There’s free merchandise delivery from our shops to your Universal hotel. We’ll hold your purchases near the exit so you can easily pick them up on your way out. Your items will be ready for you at least 3 hours after purchasing during regular store hours, from 11 a.m. to midnight. Home delivery is also available via FedEx for an additional fee. Ask the cashier about this service.

Our hotels are almost this close to the theme parks and Universal City Walk. And you can hop on free water taxis or shuttles.

Keep it simple when you dine and shop by charging purchases across the Resort to your room key card.

8 . There are so many interesting and different cultures around the world. Each comes with its own customs, traditions, and worldviews. Through travel, we’re able to broaden our minds by seeing how others live and think differently. Join us to take a look through some of the most unique and beautiful cultures in the world.

This native group live mainly in Northern Namibia in a semi-nomadic (半游牧的) lifestyle. Visually remarkable, with red skin and hair, fancy jewelry, and goat-hide clothing, this community is one of the most unique cultures found around the world. Their way of life is still preserved today, as they live in remote villages separate from the rest of Namibian society.

The Berbers are children of the pre-Arab population in North Africa, who lived across several countries but mainly settled in Morocco. They’re famous worldwide for their artistic heritage in pottery (陶器) and design. On our Best of Morocco tour, you’ll drink Berber tea with locals in a traditional Nomad house in Dades Valley.

Rajasthani culture is one of energy, beauty and civilization. Traditionally known as the ‘Land of Kings’, this part of India is rich and resourceful, attracting visitors worldwide with its magical architecture, joyous folk dances and impressive color scheme. On the Classical India with Nepal tour, you’ll visit one of Rajasthan’s famous colored cities -Jaipur, or ‘the pink city’.

The Bedouin people are desert-living nomadic people living in several countries in North Africa, the Middle Eastern deserts and Arabian peninsula. They are Arab-speaking and tribal, with a deep connection to the desert. Even their name, ‘Bedouin’, means ‘desert-dweller’. Have tea under the stars in the Jordanian desert with Bedouin locals on the Jordan Experience tour.

10 . The Best Natural Attractions in Mexico

Turtle Beaches

Between June and November, sea turtles return to the beaches of their birth to lay their eggs in the sand. With hunting and natural enemies threatening these species, communities have established protected nesting areas. Many are open for public viewing and participation in egg collection and baby-turtle release. Turtles are found along the Yucatán coast, in Baja Sur, on the Oaxaca coast, in Puerto Vallarta, and on Costa Alegre.

Whale-Watching

Each year between December and April, magnificent gray whales return to breed and instruct their young in the waters of Banderas Bay, fronting Puerto Vallarta, and in Los Cabos. It is a destination you can’t miss if you’re interested in marine mammals. Then you will witness how wonderful the huge creature is.

Butterfly March

Mexico is a land known for its cultural diversity, and no place drives this home more than a mountain forest where you stand surrounded by the beautiful wings of millions of monarch butterflies. The setting is the grand highlands of Michoacán, from mid-to-late November through March.

Lake Bacalar

The waters of this crystal-clear, spring-fed lake—Mexico’s second largest—are noted for their bright color variations, from pale blue to deep blue-green. The surrounding area is known for birding, with over 130 species identified. Bird lovers should not miss it.