Destination weddings drive Lijiang's economy

A group wedding is held in Lijiang.

With its dual advantages of natural and cultural appeal, northwest Yunnan’s Lijiang city has seen destination weddings emerge as a new engine that drives the growth of local economy.

Ms. Jiao from Guiyang, Guizhou province, said the additional expenses for her wedding in Lijiang exceeded 20,000 yuan, including 500 yuan for souvenirs, a daily cost of 550 yuan per room, over 7,000 yuan for wedding photos in traditional Naxi attire, and a one-day tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

 

A wedding is held in Lijiang.  

An industrial chain for destination weddings has formed around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. From January to August this year, the area hosted 52,000 couples for pre-wedding photoshoots and destination weddings. Their consumption added up to 1.5 billion yuan.

"Our package includes a wedding ceremony, photo taking, accommodation, and others. From January to July this year, our orders increased by 20% year on year, with monthly weddings nearing 400," said Ji Hongwei, head of Lijiang Chuanyeboya Travel Weddings.

 

A wedding is held in Lijiang.  

Sources: Yunnan Daily; Trans-editing by Wang Shixue