Have you noticed that the way we talk about travel is quietly changing?

A few years ago, young people would greet each other with, "Which scenic spot did you check in at this holiday?" But now, it’s more likely to be, "I found a place to relax for a few days—so comfortable!"

From "clocking in" to "lying flat," from "taking in the scenery" to "living life"—behind these shifts lies a profound and pivotal transformation in China's tourism industry— From the era of scenic areas, we are boldly stepping into the age of resort destinations.

This isn't just about changing a name—it's about rewriting the entire set of game rules.

Why Young people seem No longer "Love" the scenic area?

In the past, scenic areas were like “Star attractions.” Relying on their unique natural scenery or historical sites, they simply wait for tourists to walk through their doors—where a single ticket becomes the primary source of income. This “traffic-driven mindset” worked well in the early days of tourism, when everyone was “unfamiliar with the world” and eager to come out and take a look.

But now, it's no longer possible.

First, it is Tourists It has changed. With Z Young tourists, representing a new generation, have long since grown tired of the assembly-line approach—simply "get on the bus, sleep, and hop off to take photos." What they want isn’t just "seeing"; it’s about "experiencing," "sharing," and creating exclusive moments that’ll spark exclamations like "Wow!" when shared in their social media circles. They’re willing to invest in an experience that truly sets them apart. Concert A refined afternoon tea, or even paying for a photogenic tent hotel, might leave you surprisingly uninterested in a scenic-area ticket costing just around 180 yuan.

Secondly, it is "The gameplay has changed."   The pandemic Afterward ， "Micro-vacations" and "staycation-style getaways" have become the mainstream trend. People are no longer fixated on traveling faraway destinations; instead, they prefer to find a spot just outside the city, stay for two or three days, and truly unwind. This kind of demand simply can’t be met by traditional tourist attractions anymore.

When tourists' needs shift from "Take a quick look" has turned into "settle in"—and scenic areas that once relied solely on selling views have now reached the end of "traffic-driven thinking."

What makes the resort area so charming?

If we say that a traditional scenic spot is like a beautifully crafted photo album—you flip through it, snap a few pictures, and that’s it.

So, a modern resort is like a movie you can actually live in. It features a protagonist (you), a compelling storyline (rich, immersive experiences), and meticulously crafted settings (comprehensive amenities)—all designed to draw you in completely, making you reluctant to "wrap up" your stay.

What is the fundamental difference between the two?

The scenic area sells “Scenery,” while the resort sells “time” and “lifestyle.”

To make you willingly "Wasting" time here, the resort must build a complete ecosystem:

Live comfortably: From five-star hotels to unique homestays, and even trendy Instagram-worthy tents—there’s bound to be one that makes you want to kick back and relax.

Eat abundantly: Michelin-starred restaurants, late-night diners, and specialty snacks—satisfy your discerning palate.

Having a blast: Water park, children's playground, art exhibition, concert, outdoor sports ……Day and night, the excitement never stops.

Physical and mental well-being : Hot spring SPA Yoga meditation and health management will help you fully "recharge."

Wait a minute……

Look, the resort area is no longer an isolated spot—it’s now a place that can encompass everything. “Destination Miniature City.” It addresses not the question of “where to go,” but rather “where to spend a few days.”

How to create a vacation resort that’s irresistibly addictive?

In this escalating wave, some have successfully made it to shore, while others are still struggling to stay afloat. Wanting to move from one “Local areas” have become “destinations”—the key is to do well in four essential things:

1.  Injecting a fun "soul"—the integration of culture and tourism

A resort without culture is like one that has only a beautiful facade. "Vases"—they can't hold onto people. Successful resort areas always find fresh, innovative ways to incorporate culture.

Wuxi Nianhua Bay transforms the abstract "Zen aesthetics" have been transformed into a way of life that can be touched and breathed—every blade of grass, every tree, every brick and tile tells its own story.

Sanya Atlantis transforms ocean culture into an exhilarating water park and a mesmerizing aquarium, offering every family the chance to create their own unforgettable adventure. "Finding Nemo."

Culture isn’t just for show—it’s the core charm that can be experienced, consumed, and shared.

2.  Crafting a "super symbol" that leaves a lasting impression— IP Transformation

In an era of information overload, there is no IP , it's the same as having no identity.

Whether it's the imported Disney and Universal Studios, or locally original creations A newcomer like Pop Mart Amusement Park , they all have a distinct theme and IP This IP It’s like a hook, precisely catching its target audience and making them willingly pay for it.

3.  Let technology become the "invisible waiter"—empowering with intelligence

Good technology is something that makes you feel as though it doesn’t exist—yet it’s everywhere.

From seamless payment for reservations and park entry, to personalized recommendations for your preferred游玩 routes, and beyond VR/AR The immersive new experiences brought about by technology are making vacations smarter, more convenient, and even more enjoyable.

4.  Turn "overnight stay" into "over-the-top fun"—scene innovation

Getting visitors to stay is just the first step—truly impressive is making them enjoy themselves so much they don’t want to leave.

Light up "Night Economy": A dazzling light and shadow show, coupled with a vibrant starry-night market, can easily extend visitors' spending time by several hours.

Embrace “New Outdoor”: Glamping, paddleboarding, frisbee—these lightweight outdoor activities perfectly align with urban dwellers’ yearning for nature and wellness.

Expand "Health and Wellness" + “：Integrating hot springs, healing therapies, and health management into vacations to precisely cater to the needs of seniors and high-pressure white-collar workers.

Written at the end

Of course, the path from a scenic area to a resort is not without its pitfalls. From Investment, Operations To Talent System ， Both require scientific coordination. What we fear most is rushing in en masse, only to end up creating a complete mess. The awkward situation of "a thousand districts looking the same."

But the trend is irreversible. This shift from The transformation from "selling scenery" to "selling lifestyle" marks the maturation of China's tourism industry. It demands that practitioners shed the inertia of "living off the mountain" and genuinely learn to understand people, serve them, and create value.

In the future, the most luxurious resort areas may no longer have distinct boundaries—they’ll seamlessly blend with cities and rural landscapes, becoming a shared haven of美好生活 where hosts and guests alike can thrive.

And this transformation has only just begun. Each of us is not only a witness but also an active participant.