Lianghong National Wetland Park. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Wuxi's Hongshan Tourism Resort has been selected for the third batch of Jiangsu's culture-tourism integration demonstration zones, the provincial culture and tourism department announced.

Hongshan is known as the birthplace of Wu culture and the hometown of Taibo, the first son of King Tai of the Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-256 BC), who established the state of Wu.

It has 27 cultural relic protection sites and three national 4A scenic areas, including the Hongshan Site Museum and Lianghong National Wetland Park. The museum recently reopened after upgrades with AI digital guides, augmented reality and immersive displays.

Hongshan Site Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The resort is also pursuing digital and industrial tourism. It set up a 30 million yuan ($4.49 million) consumer culture and digital economy fund with Bilibili and is advancing the Wu Culture Digital Science and Innovation Valley. With 165 large industrial enterprises and 10 listed companies, it is developing "smart manufacturing plus study tours" that turn factory floors into classrooms.

Night tourism and rural experiences are also expanding. Meihuali Water Street hosts water performances and night markets; Lianghong wetland's drive-in night market features more than 60 businesses and RV camping. The annual grape carnival and "Four Seasons" events, along with bookstores, homestays and intangible cultural heritage programs, enrich visitor experiences.

Hongshan Warm Village. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The resort also promotes wellness tourism and high-standard farmland, with Dafangqiao village named a China Beautiful Leisure Village and the Hongshan Warm Village, a digital creator community, now open.