Interest in science a boon for tourism, inquisitive minds

Teens visit factories

NIO's automobile manufacturing base in the Hefei Economic and Technological Development Area was completed in 2017 and officially opened to the public in October the next year. It has seen a continuous increase in visitor numbers, with the average annual visitor count now 100,000 people.

During the summer break, NIO's factories organized 140 summer camps, with 5,932 students participating in study programs.

"In the past, visits to these enterprises were mainly by adult groups, such as entrepreneur study tours, but now there is also a demand from teenagers, so it has become a trend that aligns with the national strategy," said Zhong from the travel agency.

"For enterprises, the significance of launching research and study is more about taking on social responsibility, promoting science and technology externally, and the need for corporate brand promotion," he said.

ChaCha Food Co, a leading nut producer based in Hefei, is also a research and study base for food safety in Anhui.

The company hosts over 300 research and study tours every year, and welcomes about 2,000 visitors. Among them are primary, middle, and high school students.

ChaCha's research and study tours provide students with information about the company's history and give them the opportunity to observe on-site operations.

"They also gain insights into the company's technological capabilities, innovation, and product quality and safety, deepening their recognition and trust in the company's brand," said Yao Yalan, who is in charge of branding for ChaCha.