During the Spring Festival holiday, a diverse array of events held at scenic spots and cultural venues across Huitong County attracted visitors from far and wide. By the seventh day of the holiday, the county had received a total of 463,200 domestic visits, generating approximately 69.48 million yuan in tourism revenue. Three themed events—Red Heritage Inheritance, Ancient Village New Year Customs, and Shennong Blessing—captivated visitors, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the Lunar New Year.
The "Celebrating the New Year in Museums" campaign was a resounding success, with the Su Yu Memorial Museum teeming with excitement. Visitors wrote Chinese character "Fu" (blessing) to form a "Blessing Wall," pondered over clues at the "Guess Heroic Deeds of Su Yu" challenge, and joined lively interactive games with "Red NPCs." The air was filled with the stirring sounds of visitors singing red-themed songs in unison.
On the seventh day of the holiday alone, the Former Residence of Su Yu welcomed over 20,000 visitors, setting a new historical high for the same period. This surge underscores the renewed vitality of red culture during the Spring Festival.
Known as the "No.1 Ancient Village in the South of the Yangtze River," Gaoyi Ancient Village ignited its New Year celebrations on Chinese New Year's Eve with a village song contest and a grand bonfire party, where locals and tourists joined hands in celebration. The night was alive with the rhythmic beats of drums and the graceful movements of a golden dragon dance. The festive traditions continued with a series of captivating activities: spectacular dragon and lion dances, Nuo opera performances for good fortune, and lively parades featuring the "God of Wealth" who interacted with visitors and bestowed blessings. Long queues formed at experience zones where visitors tried their hand at making black rice cakes and cutting paper window decorations. Drawing "auspicious lots" was a popular activity, offering visitors good wishes for the new year. The Gaoyi Market was a feast for the senses, boasting a wide variety of cured meats and local mountain products. A unique highlight was the "Gaoyi Silver Ticket" experience, where tourists could earn simulated silver tickets by participating in activities to redeem local specialties or enjoy discounts, adding a fun and immersive touch to their ancient village visit.
The "Hometown of Yan Emperor, Blessings for Years to Come" Spring Festival theme event drew throngs of visitors eager to experience Shennong culture. At five core scenic spots—Shennong Shrine, Dujiatuan Ancient Village, Lianshan Stone, Yaowang Cave, and Shennong Herbal Garden—visitors took photos to collect stamps. Those who gathered all five stamps (representing Fortune, Emolument, Longevity, Joy, and Wealth) could share on social media to enter a lucky draw. At the wishing tree in Shennong Shrine, colorful blessing ribbons fluttered in the wind. A festive "God of Wealth" NPC roamed the scenic area, distributing blessings and posing for photos with visitors, who hoped for good luck and prosperity in the Year of the Horse. At the visitor center, a long queue formed at the New Year Wish Wall, where visitors drew lucky blind boxes containing adorable Year of the Horse figurines and custom scenic area gifts, which were well-received by all.
As spring arrived, the flower fields at Daoxiang Poetic Field Scenic Area in Baozi Town began to burst into bloom. Golden rapeseed flowers and colorful tulips created a picturesque landscape, perfect for taking stunning photos. Visitors could enjoy a romantic ride on a small train through the rapeseed fields, relax in the idyllic "Rice Dream Town," or warm up with a cup of tea around a fire or a refreshing Daoxiang milk tea.
From red heritage sites to thousand-year-old ancient village, from Shennong culture to engaging interactive activities, Huitong County’s scenic spots have joined forces to create a safe, orderly, and thoroughly festive tourism experience. The exciting events will continue until the Lantern Festival, ensuring the celebration lasts well into the first month of the Year of the Horse.
(Translated by Yang Hong)