A swiss tourist shares her impressions of Hangzhou. [Video/Insight of Hangzhou]

A Swiss fan recently traveled to Hangzhou for a TV drama and sparked a new cultural tourism wave, local media outlets reported.

Drawn by the hit historical series Swords into Plowshares, the young woman said she admires the character Qian Hongchu and hopes to visit iconic sites linked to the history of the Wuyue Kingdom (907–978), including Baochu Pagoda, Qianwang Temple and Liuhe Pagoda.

As the drama continues to trend, these landmarks have surged in popularity, with online users remarking: "Go now, or you won't even get in."

The bus is themed around the hit TV drama Swords into Plowshares. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]

Riding the momentum, Hangzhou launched the nation's first TV-drama-themed tourism bus program on Feb 14, inspired by Wuyue culture. Three themed routes — featuring retro styling and dedicated audio guides — connect pagodas, temples, museums and key historical sites tied to the Wuyue Kingdom and its legacy.

One route circles West Lake, connecting cultural landmarks and scenic spots; another traces Wuyue relics across the city; while a special line to Lin'an district centers on the Yijincheng Archaeological Site Park, offering a one-stop journey into the kingdom's origins.

Themed buses begin service on Feb 14, offering postcards and immersive cultural experiences for passengers as Hangzhou turns a TV hit into a living encounter with its thousand-year history.

Handrails on the bus feature artwork of Hangzhou's iconic attractions. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]