Forty international bloggers from abroad have engaged in the Follow Xu Xiake's Footsteps to Explore Ninghai tour since early May, experiencing the cultural treasures of Ninghai county, East China's Zhejiang province.

Inspired by China's famed 17th-century explorer, participants from several countries, including Russia, France, Morocco, Italy and South Korea, walked the historic Xu Xiake Trail while discovering modern innovations.

Highlights included Qiantong Ancient Town's Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) architecture and the new tourist tax-rebate program at Quanyou Food, Ninghai's first such store, where visitors enjoyed local rice cakes with instant refunds. A grand tofu banquet left guests raving, with one Italian blogger calling it "unforgettable".

The event was aimed to bridge Eastern and Western cultures through the iconic figures of Xu Xiake and Marco Polo, and leverage Zhejiang's status as the headquarters of the World Tourism Alliance and the benefit of the 240-hour transit visa exemption policy.

Russian vlogger Dimitri's YouTube coverage of his tour experience has gone viral, while French foodie Mylene's potato-harvesting video sparked interest in the county's distinctive speciality.

"Ninghai blends ancient charm with world-class hospitality," says Nilesh Kumar, professor from Zhejiang Gongshang University.

Local officials expected the event would draw in more international visitors.

"We have comprehensively upgraded services covering food, accommodation, transportation, tourism, shopping, and entertainment, highlighted local culture, and optimized inbound experiences to ensure more overseas visitors enjoy their stay, and leave with lasting memories," says a representative from Ninghai bureau of culture, radio, television and tourism.