Tourism in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, is heating up despite the colder weather, with the launch of its "Global Free Tours in Quzhou" initiative on Nov 1 continuing to attract visitors from near and far.

Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has become a crucial engine for regional tourism and economic growth.

Sites including the famed Yaowang Mountain and Tianji Longmen scenic areas in Qujiang district are now offering free entry, drawing tourists nationwide.

Yaowang Mountain was bustling with visitors on Nov 5, as tour groups and solo travelers enjoyed the fresh air and late-autumn colors.

Yaowang Mountain offers scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere. [Photo/WeChat account: quzhouta]

This free-ticket policy makes Qujiang a prime destination for inter-provincial tour groups, with a group from Dalian, Liaoning province planning to explore Duze ancient street after Yaowang Mountain to sample local delicacies and experience Qujiang's unique blend of nature and culture.

Qujiang's tourism market has seen a rapid uptick since the initiative's launch, recording over 4,000 visits to Yaowang Mountain and Tianji Longmen on Nov 1. The record has matched the daily peak number of visits from this year's National Day holiday, with inter-provincial tour groups accounting for a significant share of these visitors.

This influx of visitors to Yaowang Mountain has benefited local businesses, such as the nearby Yaowang Resort, an agritourism spot, which has seen a surge in business.