Young students perform modern dance at Chaobai River Wetland Park in Baodi district of Tianjin. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In the midst of concerns about crowded tourist spots in downtown Tianjin, a growing number of travelers are turning their sights to the city's Baodi district, heralding it as a top destination on social media.

Midrange hotels and homestays in the district have also experienced a significant increase in occupancy during the first four months.

Jia Xuena, head of the publicity department of Baodi district, a geological hub connecting Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province, attributes its newfound appeal to the sprawling 5,581-hectare Chaobai River Wetland Park nestled along the Chaobai River. The renowned waterway connects Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province.

The district boasts a range of attractions including cosplay shows, scenic boat trips, one of the largest riverside campgrounds in the region and a variety of picturesque selfie spots.

Highlighting the district's historical legacy, Jia emphasizes the influence of Yuan Liaofan (1533-1606), a local luminary known for his effective governance and philosophical contributions, particularly the revered "Four Instructions by Liaofan". Baodi has organized events to honor Yuan, such as historical forums and temple fairs, and the promotion of cultural innovations, such as commemorative books and pens.

In contrast to bustling urban hubs like Wudadao, or the Five Greater Avenues, a blogger expressed a preference for exploring Baodi's more tranquil routes.

They extolled the experience of visiting the newly developed park dedicated to Yuan, followed by a journey to well-preserved architecture from the Liao (916-1125) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties, including the awe-inspiring Shijingchuang, or stone columns carved with Buddhist scriptures, Guangji Temple and Dajue Buddhist Temple.

This blogger found the five-day itinerary in Baodi to be a more enriching and peaceful alternative to mainstream tourist destinations.

Wu Qingjuan, head of the Baodi cultural and tourism bureau, underscores the timeless allure of cultures dating back to the Liao and Jin dynasties, along with the profound works by Yuan.

"They captivate the interests of younger and middle-aged visitors seeking a cultural immersion during their travels," Wu said.

Ji Yonghong, secretary of the leading Party members group of the Baodi sports bureau, envisions Baodi evolving into a hub for sports competitions alongside its cultural tourism offerings. "Annually hosting more than 60 diverse events, including fishing competitions, marathons, boxing tournaments, table tennis matches and walking contests spanning Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province, Baodi attracts a surge of more than 200,000 tourists and sports enthusiasts during these vibrant competitions," Ji said.