Editor’s note: From May 4th to 7th, 2023, the first Hunan (Huaihua) RCEP Economic and Trade Expo was grandly held in Huaihua City. In order to fully promote and report on the implementation of the strategy of “Five New Missions and Four Orientations” throughout the city and accelerate the construction of Huaihua International Land Port, Huaihua Municipal Government Information Office and the Municipal Government Foreign Affairs Office organized the “Traveling around China —2023 ASEAN Mainstream Media’s Huaihua Tour” event. After attending the RCEP grand event, 14 ASEAN media visited China’s Xupu, Yuanling, and Zhijiang counties to personally experience the natural scenery and folk customs of Huaihua, and strengthen an in-depth communication and cooperation. On May 13th, the website of Vietnam’s People’s Daily published an article titled “Innovative Development of China’s Zhijiang Cultural Tourism”, praising China’s efforts and achievements in building the “International Tourism City—China’s Charming Dong City” brand and promoting innovative development of cultural and tourism integration, which attracted widespread attention and enthusiastic response. The following are screenshots and translations of the report:
Innovative Development of Cultural Tourism in Zhijiang, China
Introduction: Cultural tourism is not only about integrating the value of cultural heritage into the development of the tourism economy, but also linking tourism and the overall development of culture. It promotes tourism through culture, enhances cultural level through tourism, and continuously innovates the design of tourist attractions. This is the main approach to promote the integration of culture and tourism in Zhijiang County, Hunan Province, China. Tourism, as a “smokeless industry”, has become an important foundation for local economic development.
(Tourist Attraction—Wanhe Drum Tower)
Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County in Huaihua City, Hunan Province, China has a population of over 300,000, with over 60% of the population for the Dong ethnic group. The county also preserves many ancient buildings, religious cultures, and unique customs.
The county regards the tourism industry as one of the leading industries to promote economic and social development and improve people’s living standards. It not only does a good job in cultural protection, but also promotes the development of the tourism industry towards cultural integration.
(The historical sites of Zhijiang have attracted a large number of tourists.)
In the interview with the People’s Daily, Luo Yan, the leader of Zhijiang County, stated that as an underdeveloped mountainous city, the county adheres to the resource endowment of beautiful natural ecology and long cultural history. In the grand plan of winning the battle against poverty and comprehensively promoting the rural revitalization strategy, the county adheres to the concept of integrating culture and tourism to promote tourism consumption, and on the basis of the tourism industry, promotes rural revitalization to work better and go further.
(Unique ancient bridge architecture has been preserved to serve tourism.)
The unique characteristics of Dong culture are the core factors that attract tourists to visit. Upon arriving in Zhijiang, tourists can experience the unique culture and rich ethnic traditions here. They can deeply experience the unique cultural atmosphere through folk games, traditional artistic performances, glutinous rice cakes, bonfire parties, etc.
(Tourists and Dong girls wearing traditional costume)
Since the end of this March, the night tour route in Zhijiang County has been officially opened and put into operation, with a focus on utilizing modern technology to showcase the local history and culture through sound, light, and electricity on both sides of the river.
Tourists can take a boat along a 3-kilometer route for a 40 minute experience, visiting 11 major local attractions such as Longjin Wind-and-Rain Bridge, Peace Bridge, and Mazu Temple. The technology of sound and light can help tourists fully understand the geographical formation, historical development and unique style of the “Dong ethnic group” in China.
(Sound and visual effects and traditional lantern decorations make
the scenic spot sparkling and fantastic.)
The unique immersive night tour experience has attracted a large number of tourists to visit, experience, and stay overnight.
(The application of sound and light technology has created
a new face for the Mazu Temple in Zhijiang County.)
According to statistics, during this May Day holiday, the number of tourists coming here for sightseeing and experience reached 200,000, up 500% year on year, which was higher than before the outbreak of COVID-19.
(The bustling scene of tourist attractions in Zhijiang)
In the future, the local government will continue to promote the construction and improvement of the “International Tourism City” brand, forge more distinctive and creative tourism routes, and become a mecca to attract tourists.
(Translated by Tian Xia)