Intl guests experience Guizhou's travel magic

International guests explore Fanjing Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in Guizhou province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

International journalists and content creators hailed Southwest China's Guizhou province as a hidden gem at the end of a journey that took them to destinations like the city of Tongren, UNESCO World Natural Heritage site Fanjing Mountain and the provincial capital of Guiyang.

These individuals, participating in a trip under the 2026 China Storyteller Partnerships program, said they were captivated by Guizhou's heritage, high-tech wonders, and cutting-edge innovation hubs alongside ancient sites and beautiful scenery tucked away in the province's karst landscapes.

Kuvineshwaren Nedunjelian describes Guizhou as a "hidden gem," calling on travelers from Malaysia and beyond to explore its wonders. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"This is my first time in China and I can confidently say, Guizhou has captured my heart in ways I never expected," said Kuvineshwaren Nedunjelian, a journalist from the Malaysian National News Agency, during a sharing session at the end of the trip on March 31.

"What makes Guizhou special is not just one thing – it's everything. It's a hidden gem that deserves more attention from Malaysians and the rest of the world," he added.

International guests are captivated by the beauty of the Wujiang Lizhi Gorge Tourist Area. [Photo provided to China Daily]

From March 27 to 31, media workers and internet influencers from more than 10 countries, including the United States, South Korea, France, the United Kingdom, Russia and Thailand, visited Zhaisha Dong Village in Tongren for folk performances and bonfire celebrations, explored the breathtaking scenery of Fanjing Mountain, experienced matcha culture in Jiangkou county, and took part in a friendly "Cave Basketball" match.

The itinerary also included visits to the Wujiang River Gorge National Scenic Area and the Zhongnanmen Historic and Cultural Tourist Area, as well as a trip to Guiyang for the opening ceremony of the 20th Guizhou Tourism Development Conference and to explore "Red Ribbon", the country's first immersive digital museum themed on the Long March.

The tourism industry development conference opened in Guiyang on March 30. The opening ceremony at Drum Tower Square in Colorful Guizhou City highlighted the province's progress in smart tourism and artificial intelligence, demonstrating how high-tech solutions are being used to preserve and promote ancient traditions.

Maldonado highlights Guizhou as a model for balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"When I think of Guizhou, I think of the color green," Elliot Maldonado, a US expert for China Daily Website, said at the sharing session. "Obviously, the color green represents natural beauty. As we rode a boat down the Wujiang River, you could really feel that this was a place undisturbed by human progress. Such a fragile ecosystem needs to be protected to stay green, and that's exactly what Guizhou has done."

Seo Il-won shares his desire to bring Guizhou's authentic stories to audiences back home in South Korea. [Photo provided to China Daily]

For Seo Il-won, a journalist from South Korea's Chosun Biz, the trip offered a richer narrative that went beyond standard travel guides.

"If I had not come here, I would never have experienced these feelings and moments. I want to share them honestly with audiences in South Korea," he said.

"Rather than simply delivering information about tourist attractions or delicious food, I believe telling the stories behind them will make people want to visit Guizhou even more," he added.