A bird's-eye view of the Qingming Bridge Historical Culture Block in Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The Qingming Bridge Historical Culture Block, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wuxi, was included in the first batch of national tourism and leisure blocks, according to a recent announcement from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

National tourism and leisure blocks are blocks with distinct cultural themes and regional characteristics that are related to tourism and leisure, cultural experiences and tourism public services, and integrate tourism, catering, entertainment, shopping, accommodation, leisure and more to meet the needs of tourists and locals, according to officials.

The Qingming Bridge Historical Culture Block has more than 200 cultural preservation units and historic buildings at the national, provincial and municipal levels. Linked by the Grand Canal, the block combines culture, tourism, and commerce and promotes the creative transformation and innovative development of block culture.

Visitors are crowded at the night fair of Qingming Bridge Historical Culture Block in Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

In 2021, the Qingming Bridge Historical Culture Block received about 4.7 million visitors. Its surrounding areas were also developed into sightseeing locations.

Night tours along the Grand Canal have been promoted as well, and many tourists and locals are flocking to the Qingming Bridge scenic area to watch light shows, try out local dishes and watch cruise boats shuttle back and forth on the Grand Canal.