The list of 2025 Top 100 National 5A-level Tourist Attractions with Strong Brand Influence was recently released, with the Shapotou Scenic Area in Zhongwei, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, selected on the list.

This prestigious list, compiled by the Meadin Academy, an authoritative platform for the cultural tourism industry, is based on the annual Meadin Brand Index (MBI), which assesses the online and mobile internet presence of tourist destinations across China. Since its inception in 2012, the index has become a key indicator of trends in the cultural tourism sector.

Tourists ride camels in the Shapotou Scenic Area. [Photo/Ningxia Daily]

In recent years, Shapotou has concentrated on three main themes: desert culture, Yellow River culture, and starry sky culture, creating a unique tourism brand. It uses a dual approach of online and offline activities, hosting festivals and events to enhance visitors' experiences while applying targeted marketing strategies online to reach various markets.

The introduction of innovative service models ensures rapid response times for waste management, grievance responses, and emergency rescues, strengthening its reputation for high-quality service.

To improve visitors' experiences, Shapotou has incorporated AI technologies such as DeepSeek to develop intelligent travel assistants "Shasha" and "Momo". These AI tools provide personalized itineraries and smart suggestions, simplify ticketing, and enhance post-visit engagement through AI-generated travel journals. This combination of technology and cultural richness positions Shapotou as a leader in the tourism industry.