Panda Tourism Transforms Gengda Town Into Summer Haven

The influx of tourists is fundamentally changing the business model in Gengda Town, Wenchuan County. Unlike standard sightseeing destinations that rely on brief, one-day stopovers, this region is seeing a surge in extended residential stays. Official data indicates that visitors now remain for an average of 20 days, with long-term summer renters comprising over 80 percent of the total tourist population.

Local homestay operators are the primary beneficiaries of this shift. Liu Xiuhua, who manages a local lodging business, noted that families are increasingly combining panda excursions with prolonged retreats to escape the sweltering heat found elsewhere. This trend has spurred significant growth, with Gengda Town now supporting more than 470 homestay businesses providing over 18,000 beds. As the sector evolves into a pillar industry, it provides consistent employment and revenue for residents who previously relied on more transient, short-term visitation patterns.