Hangzhou's culture and tourism city membership card. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]

Hangzhou introduced China's first culture and tourism city membership card on March 24, integrating tourism, transport, entertainment, sports, dining, and shopping into one digital pass.

The initiative aims to strengthen Hangzhou's status as a world-class travel destination by boosting tourism consumption and improving urban services.

Starting at 66 yuan ($9), the card offers free access to nearly 30 top attractions, including Xixi Wetland National Park and Huanglong Cave, as well as discounts on immersive shows, metro rides, luggage delivery, and Zhejiang FC soccer match tickets.

Hangzhou's tourism numbers soared in 2024, welcoming 240 million visitors, including 1.16 million overnight international tourists – a 107.8 percent year-on-year increase. As Hangzhou looks ahead to 2025, the card serves as a major step forward in expanding digital-driven tourism and enhancing visitor experiences.

One highlight is the luggage service, allowing tourists to store bags at major transport hubs and have them delivered to hotels – making sightseeing or shopping hassle-free. When departing, visitors can check their luggage at hotels and reunite with it at transport hubs or even on board their trains.

The card also offers 50 percent discounts at trending restaurants, special rates for cultural performances, and immersive mixed reality experiences.

Hangzhou plans to further expand its coverage to include tech-driven attractions, e-sports, and international tourist services, creating a seamless "one card, one code" smart tourism ecosystem.

Peach blossoms and fresh willow branches make for a vibrant spring in Hangzhou. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]