Midu County is making comprehensive preparations as the 2026 Xiaoxiang Dishui Midu Folk Song Festival and the 2026 Oriental Beauty Valley Dali Xiaoxiang Dishui Half Marathon approach. Local restaurants, hotels, and scenic spots have all planned ahead, ensuring meticulous service to welcome guests from near and far.

As a long-established local restaurant known for its tofu banquet, Gudao Restaurant has become a top choice for many out-of-town visitors seeking authentic Midu flavors. Stepping inside, the newly renovated establishment exudes rustic elegance, with every corner spotless and carrying a subtle sense of nostalgia. According to its manager, Li Qixiang, the restaurant, after relocating and upgrading, can now accommodate 280 guests at once, fully meeting dining demands. In response to the expected surge in foot traffic during the festival and race, the restaurant has intensified staff training, ensuring readiness in both facilities and service capabilities. "We have stocked up on ingredients in advance, optimized food preparation speed to reduce customer wait times, and remain committed to honest business practices and strict quality control. We put our heart into every dish and serve every customer well," Li said. He hopes the events will encourage more visitors to try authentic Midu cuisine after the marathon and folk songs, and ultimately fall in love with Midu.

Midu Hengzhong Yuanquan Hotel is one of the hotels tasked with hosting athletes for the competition. Its lobby, breakfast hall, and banquet hall have all completed renovation and upgrades before August 20, with a special support plan now activated. Staff have conducted comprehensive inspections and maintenance of all room facilities, focusing on optimizing every detail of the check-in experience. The inspection and sanitation work for the hotel's over 100 rooms has been fully completed, and follow-up services will be tailored to meet the actual needs of guests. Hotel General Manager Pan Hong noted that the hotel has specially prepared energy supply packs for athletes in their rooms, while the front desk has items like noise-reducing earplugs and emergency medicine on offer. The hotel has also upgraded its self-service breakfast options with new low-fat, light meals and energy-packed snacks, balancing general tastes with athletic nutritional needs, all to provide a safe and high-quality stay for guests.

To handle the operational pressure from a surge in tourists during the events, maintain safety standards for visitors, and showcase a positive image of Midu's cultural tourism, the national AAAA-level scenic spot Xiaoxiang Dishui Tianshengqiao has recently carried out comprehensive safety inspections. The site has simultaneously upgraded its visitor service center, refined crowd flow management, traffic and parking coordination, convenience services, and rapid emergency response protocols across the board, presenting a fresh look to all travelers. "We have increased bus frequency to the scenic area, and during the events, shuttle buses and temporary parking lots will be activated as visitor numbers fluctuate to fully meet tourist needs," explained scenic area staff member Shao Yan. The site has also deployed additional personnel to offer guided tours and traffic assistance, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

From dining establishments to host hotels and tourist attractions, all related industries across Midu County have now completed service upgrades, hazard inspections, and material stockpiling, using point-specific improvements to drive comprehensive regional support. The entire county is embracing the upcoming festival and race with full enthusiasm, inviting all guests to immerse themselves in Midu's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.