Immersive tourism booms amid heatwave as Qiyang complex launches micro-vacation model
Qiyang Ice Kingdom officially opened on August 10 in Yihe New Area, Linyi. Together with Qiyang Polar Ocean World and Linyi Zoo and Botanical Garden under Qiyang Tourism Group, the three scenic spots form a complete integrated tourism cluster, marking Linyi's transformation from simple sightseeing to comfortable, experience-focused leisure travel.
Sustained high temperatures across southern Shandong make outdoor trips less appealing. Modern tourists are no longer satisfied with quick photo-taking stops, and they prioritize comfortable environments, interactive experiences and activities suitable for all age groups. The three connected venues in Qiyang Resort feature year-round indoor constant-temperature spaces, providing perfect cool getaways and forming a new urban micro-vacation destination.
Covering 25,000 square meters, Qiyang Ice Kingdom is a large indoor all-season snow park with constant cool temperatures. It boasts ice slides, ice-themed castles and live ice shows, allowing visitors to enjoy authentic snow scenery in scorching summer heat. Adjacent Qiyang Polar Ocean World combines marine animal exhibitions, mermaid performances and popular science research programs. Linyi Zoo and Botanical Garden offers open-air ecological sightseeing.
The three sites launch combined tickets and connected tourist routes, enabling visitors to experience animals, marine life and ice landscapes within one day. The linked itinerary lengthens tourist stays, shifting one-day sightseeing to two-day in-depth vacations and catering to both family parent-child groups and young travelers.
Industry analysts said extreme summer heat has accelerated the upgrading of local tourism products. Traditional scenic spots relying purely on natural scenery face seasonal operation risks, while large integrated complexes combining indoor and outdoor facilities create participatory experiences and balance off-peak and peak tourist flows, offering a replicable development path for southern Shandong's summer tourism.
Li Junzhong, Marketing Director of Shandong Qiyang Tourism, explained that comfort and immersive fun have become core demands for modern tourists. The resort avoids the limitations of hot weather by creating multi-scenario spaces that encourage visitors to linger longer.
On opening day, the ice park drew large crowds. A local resident Ms. Wang said she preferred the indoor complex to outdoor scenic spots under blazing sun, as families can enjoy ice, ocean and animal activities in one trip without enduring high temperatures.
Zhang Yanglei, person in charge of Qiyang Tourism, stated the group will further integrate operation of the three parks, enrich stage performances and research activities, and upgrade supporting services to boost summer consumption via cluster advantages. The complex aims to deliver high-quality nearby vacation experiences for local residents and fuel high-quality development of Linyi's cultural tourism sector.
Editor：韩蒙蒙