Steaming hot local delicacies tempt the taste buds in Lanxi. [Photo/VCG]

Lanxi, a county-level city administered by Jinhua in East China's Zhejiang province, is known far and wide for its diverse culinary heritage.

Every summer, Youbu ancient town's food streets become a real hot spot, drawing foodies from across the country.

Between January and June this year, Lanxi received a total of 5.58 million visits, up 11.7 percent year-on-year, ranking it third among the counties, county-level cities and districts in Jinhua.

Overnight visits reached 2.38 million, a whopping year-on-year increase of 21.8 percent, ranking it first in Jinhua.

However, about 42 percent of visitors stayed overnight in Lanxi in the first half of the year, lower than the provincial average, which reached 54 percent in the first quarter.

To transform its tourism appeal, Lanxi is developing more appealing offerings and experiences.

Youbu ancient town is promoting all-day activities like morning tea and opera and has introduced new businesses including guesthouses and cultural shops.

Creative ideas are also emerging, such as water buses connecting Youbu and Nyubu streets and immersive cultural routes. A food industrial park and an open expressway service area linked to Lanhu tourism resort are also in progress.

Experts say that Lanxi should focus on emotional connections and tailored experiences to attract young travelers.

With its rich cultural resources and ongoing efforts, the city is poised to become not just a food stop, but also a place where visitors stay, play and engage in things more deeply.