After finishing his work on Friday, Wang, a young man from Beijing born in the 1990s, made a beeline for Beijing West Station. In just over two hours on the high-speed train, he arrived in Handan, where he spent the evening indulging in local delicacies. His weekend was packed with activities, with one day devoted to exploring the Dong Taihang Scenic Area and the next to the cultural experiences offered by the Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes. Later that evening, he hopped on a train back to Beijing, ready to kick off a new week. This busy yet fulfilling weekend is emblematic of the emerging trend known as the “3-hour travel circle,” which has gained popularity among many.

In recent years, the “3-hour travel circle” has surged in popularity as a fresh travel concept. Thanks to a well-developed transportation network, this model allows people to easily reach nearby cities for a quick weekend getaway.

The potential of the “3-hour travel circle” is significant. It expands the array of travel options, making trips more convenient and diverse. Additionally, it positively influences regional economic development. With improvements in transportation infrastructure, such as high-speed rail, travel times between cities have drastically decreased. As a result, the burgeoning tourism industry—an integral part of the tertiary sector—can stimulate growth in various fields, including hospitality, dining, and entertainment, fostering regional economic collaboration and exchange.

However, this travel model does come with its challenges. One notable issue is the similarity of tourist resources. Due to their close proximity, many attractions in these travel circles often share cultural and natural characteristics, which can lead to visitor fatigue. Regions are now faced with the urgent task of discovering and developing unique tourist destinations. Furthermore, popular tourist sites may experience increased pressure on their infrastructure and public services, such as traffic congestion, a lack of accommodations, and declining environmental quality. To avoid a “one-time-only” scenario, areas must enhance their infrastructure and public services alongside tourism development.

Moreover, the “3-hour travel circle” calls for greater innovation within the tourism sector. Tourists, constrained by limited travel time, are seeking richer and more unique experiences, pushing the industry to continuously innovate its offerings to meet diverse needs. This innovation is essential for maintaining competitiveness in tourism.

Finally, the “3-hour travel circle” signifies a considerable influx of visitors, prompting localities to adopt a multi-faceted approach. By uncovering unique tourism resources, improving infrastructure, and elevating the quality of public services, they can transform “small but beautiful” destinations into shining examples of micro-vacation hotspots.