Visitors row paddleboards at Taohuajie Forest Park in Changxing county. [Photo/Nantaihuhao App]

Huzhou in Zhejiang province has introduced a range of water-based tourism activities, including paddleboarding and stream trekking, to attract visitors during the summer season by making use of its immense natural landscapes.

Taohuajie Forest Park in Changxing county has recently become popular among water sports enthusiasts from across the Yangtze River Delta region. The clear lake and surrounding metasequoia forests provide visitors with a scenic setting for paddleboarding.

"We came from Shanghai. Paddling here offers a different experience, as if we are in a painting. The air is fresh, and the water is crystal clear," said tourist Deng Jingmin.

To help beginners participate safely, operators have introduced professional instruction and safety measures. The site currently has 10 to 12 water sports instructors who provide guidance throughout the experience, according to Peng Fei, general manager of Mar (Jiangsu) Water Sports Development.

The area receives nearly 1,000 paddleboards on weekends, and plans are underway to launch new activities such as night paddling and themed events.

Meanwhile, Huangbojian stream in Xisai Mountain, Wuxing district, has attracted visitors seeking a cooler summer retreat. Once a natural creek, the site was renovated by Miaoxi town authorities, with vegetation and sediment removed.

The upgraded stream now receives more than 100 visitors daily, with visitor numbers expected to increase during the August summer holiday period.