Zhuhai's Hengqin New Area is one of the Best Travel Destinations in China, says the International Tourism Investment Association (ITIA), which on May 8 presented Hengqin representatives with a gold award at the 9th China Tourism Investment ITIA Awards Ceremony in Nianhua Bay, Wuxi of Jiangsu Province.

The award for the entire area, plus another for a Chimelong circus show, reflect State Council approval of the development of Hengqin International Recreation Island to support Macao's world leisure center and moderate economic diversification. Since the directive on March 21, 2019, Hengqin has been expanding high-quality leisure tourism and developing leisure and healthcare attractions with improved environments and services. 

The Long (Dragon) Xiu Circus show at Hengqin Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort garnered the gold as one of the Best Tourism Performance Projects in China. Long Xiu tells the love story of Zhuhai's emblematic Fisher Maiden and sweetheart Hai Peng. The performance engages 300 sophisticated circus artists in 30 teams from 22 countries and regions. Dragons appear flying in 3D, dominating vehicle parades, swimming before the audience, and incorporated as auspicious elements in costumes and the background music.

Dragon Show at Zhuhai Chimelong Theater [Photo by Zhu Xi / Zhuhai Daily]

Hengqin also is drawing tourists to Sumlodol Camping Town, Lionsgate Entertainment World, National Geographic Ultimate Explorer, Flower Corridor, and Erjing Bay and Mangzhou wetland parks.

The ITIA award is considered the "Oscar" and weather vane of the domestic tourism industry based on its professionalism, authoritative esteem, and the grandeur of its presentation ceremony. In all, 40 gold award-winners this year are cited for high investment, industrial trend and prospects, and valuing innovation of traditional tourism products. 

Registered in Hong Kong in 2010, ITIA is non-profit and founded and sponsored by domestic and overseas investors, intelligence institutions, and developing organizations. By forging international communication and cooperation among tourism investment programs, the association promotes the investment, development, and operation of tourism resources in China.