What happened
Zhang Jianchi, chairman of listed company Zhangjiajie, told Shanghai Securities News that after restructuring, the company has shed historical debt burdens and is now focused on telling the story of the city's 'famous mountains and great rivers'.
The company completed the acquisition of a 51% stake in Wulingyuan Suodao Company, which operates the Tianzi Mountain cableway, for about 355 million yuan, enhancing control over core scenic transport resources.
Dayong Ancient City, which reopened on July 10, 2026, has seen strong traffic, with over one million visitors and over 10 million yuan in revenue in its first month, driven by immersive experiences and night-time consumption.
Why it matters
The restructuring and asset integration position Zhangjiajie to shift from a scenic spot operator to a comprehensive tourism resource integrator, potentially improving revenue quality and profitability.
The company's strategy to extend tourist stays from daytime sightseeing to night-time cultural experiences could serve as a model for other tourism destinations seeking to boost per-capita spending.
With inbound tourism surging, particularly from European and American visitors, the company's focus on international services and innovative offerings aligns with broader trends in China's tourism market.
Key facts
From January to July 2026, Zhangjiajie received 860,700 inbound tourists from 195 countries, a year-on-year increase of 19.01%, with European and American visitors accounting for 34.43%.
The company acquired a 51% stake in Wulingyuan Suodao Company for about 355 million yuan, adding the Tianzi Mountain cableway to its portfolio.
Dayong Ancient City, which opened on July 10, 2026, attracted over one million visitors and generated over 10 million yuan in revenue by August 13.
The restructuring involved 17 investors, including Dian Guang Media and Mango Excellent Media, investing a total of about 1.586 billion yuan.
What to watch next
The upcoming launch of 'Dayong Fantasy' in October, which is expected to deepen collaboration with Mango IP and further drive cultural tourism innovation.
Whether the company will pursue 'light-asset export' strategies to expand its tourism assets beyond Zhangjiajie, as hinted by the chairman.
How the integration of the two cableways (Tianzi and Yangjiajie) and the eco-transport system will enhance operational efficiency and visitor experience in the core scenic area.
