An immersive interactive project started at a tourism area in Yinan county in Linyi, Shandong province, during the National Day holiday continues to attract large crowds.

In the action-packed game, upon receiving a command from a "designated leader" to take control of an area, some visitors join actors dressed as soldiers, who enthusiastically emerge from hiding, dash toward their enemies and engage them in a mock battle. Other tourists trail them, running along and enjoying the show.

The game, named gen zhe tuan zhang da xian cheng, or "Follow the Leader to Conquer the Town", found popularity through posts online from tourists who participated.

During the National Day holiday from Oct 1 to 7, visitors to the scenic area peaked at 75,000 daily. Now, over 10,000 tourists visit the site on Saturdays and Sundays, with 6,000 on average joining the game over the two-day period, said Yan Jisuo, deputy general manager of the tourism area.

"This project engages us through role-playing and tasks, providing a fresh and enjoyable experience," said a participant known online as Yuyu.

Yinan is using its historical resources as a major site for military skirmishes during China's struggle for liberation in the 1930s and '40s to boost its cultural and tourism development.

The move reflects Shandong's broader initiatives to create immersive tourism projects, including costume plays. In recent years, various scenic spots in the province have introduced costume plays with stories, scenes and characters, sparking the trend of immersive tourism. Visitors become protagonists in the shows, enriching their experience.

At the Qingyunshan folk amusement park in Anqiu, a county-level city of Weifang, Shandong, tourists can take on roles in an ancient government office, or yamen, to experience how ancient officials conducted court trials.

"It's so interesting," tourist Wang Xiaohong said of the activity. "It not only deepened my understanding of Anqiu's historical culture, but also enhanced my teamwork and logical thinking skills."

Dai Bin, director of the China Tourism Academy, highlighted the importance of innovation and sustainable development in tourism.

"Sustainable tourism development requires a comprehensive approach, including considerations for a city's commercial environment, public transportation and market order," Dai was quoted as saying by Chongqing-based news website cqcb.com.

He called for more cities to innovate for development, enhance tourism competitiveness and captivate visitors through culture and quality.

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