China's tourism industry is back in business after nearly three years of on-off COVID-19 lockdowns — and a little-known city is emerging a surprise winner.
Zibo's popularity exploded over the last two months after college students' videos of the city's affordable local barbecue went viral on social media, according to state-ownedZibo's barbecue skewers are unique in that they are partially cooked before they are served to diners, who can then finish cooking them on their own, per China Daily.
"Although we have gone all out, we may not be able to provide the service that is able to fully meet the needs of tourists," the Zibo local government said in a notice — billed as a"letter" to travelers — on April 27. It added that the recent influx in tourist numbers has caused"some troubles and inconveniences" to visitors.that hotel bookings surged 800% this"Golden Week" holiday when compared to 2019.