**Interview with Local Officials on the Tourism Boom in Xinjiang County, Shanxi Province**

*Reporter: Can you tell me about the impressive increase in tourism during this year’s National Day holiday?*

**Official:** Absolutely! This year, Xinjiang County saw over 204,000 visitors, marking an incredible 198% increase from last year. This surge can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of our local government in promoting our unique cultural and natural attractions.

*Reporter: What initiatives did the county implement to improve the visitor experience?*

**Official:** We addressed several challenges tourists encountered, such as parking, navigation, accommodations, dining, and restroom access. Starting in early September, we initiated a comprehensive road reconstruction project linking Zezhang Town to Guangcun, enhancing access to major attractions. We also installed clear signage to guide visitors and opened local government buildings for free parking.

*Reporter: What about public transportation options?*

**Official:** We introduced three free bus routes connecting the county to various scenic spots, deploying 49 buses throughout the holiday week. This initiative successfully transported around 53,000 visitors.

*Reporter: How did the local hospitality industry prepare for this influx of tourists?*

**Official:** Local hotels focused on creating a welcoming and safe environment for guests. We also collaborated with local restaurants to offer delicious regional cuisine without increasing prices. We enforced strict measures against price gouging to maintain trust with our customers.

*Reporter: What cultural activities were available to engage visitors?*

**Official:** We featured cultural performances like traditional Jiangzhou drum music and shadow puppet theater. Additionally, we promoted local folk arts such as woodblock printing and paper cutting through interactive demonstrations, allowing visitors to engage with our rich heritage.

*Reporter: I’ve heard that you leveraged the success of the game “Black Myth: Wukong” to boost tourism. Can you explain how that worked?*

**Official:** Definitely! The popularity of the game helped draw attention to our region. We cleverly connected online players with offline visitors, creating an exciting framework that showcased our historical sites and unique cultural products. By highlighting our recognition as a “Chinese Historical and Cultural Village,” we sparked greater interest in our local stories and traditions.

*Reporter: What innovative initiatives did you launch to promote local culture?*

**Official:** In the lead-up to the holiday, we issued a nationwide call for creative products that reflect our historical culture. Artists, students, and local artisans collaborated to create over 400 unique items featuring the distinctive elements of Xinjiang. These products have become highly sought-after souvenirs for tourists.

*Reporter: What is your vision for the future of tourism in Xinjiang County?*

**Official:** We envision a synergistic relationship between our famed historical sites and cultural experiences. By improving accessibility and promoting our local heritage, we aim to position Xinjiang as a must-visit destination for travelers, both from nearby and far beyond. Our goal is to sustain this momentum and transform short-term interest into lasting cultural engagement.