The inauguration ceremony (Photo/Yang Zhiwei)

On the morning of June 10, the grand opening ceremony took place under the theme of "Qu Yuan’s Odes · Cradle of Poetry." Notable attendees included Ji Dimaja, former vice chairman and secretary of the Secretariat of the China Writers Association (CWA) and director of the CWA Poetry Committee. Huaihua Municipal Committee secretary Xu Zhongjian officially declared the event open, while Li Shaojun, editor-in-chief of Poetry Periodical, delivered a keynote speech. The ceremony was hosted by Li Weilin, member of the Huaihua Municipal Standing Committee and secretary-general of the Huaihua Municipal Committee, and addressed by Hu Chen, member of the Huaihua Municipal Standing Committee and minister of the Publicity Department.

Also present were Wang Junxiang, level-II inspector of the Hunan Provincial Publicity Department; Jin Shikai, editor-in-chief of China Poetry Network and assistant editor-in-chief of Poetry Periodical; Hu Geping, secretary of the Hunan Provincial Writers Association Party Group; and Wang Yuewen, renowned writer and member of the CWA Presidium.

In his address, Li highlighted Xupu’s status as the "hometown of Chu Ci (Songs of Chu)" and the "cradle of poetry," emphasizing its significance as the destination for Poetry Periodical’s "Chinese Poetry Origins Exploration Project". He noted, "As the pivotal station in Qu Yuan’s life journey and a cradle of Southern Chu culture, Huaihua Xupu’s landscapes, historical heritage, and people’s virtues have nurtured Qu Yuan’s spirit. His poetry, inspired by the Yuan River, is a profound ode from the Wuxi region to Chinese civilization. This event serves as a vessel to trace origins, draw inspiration from timeless spiritual strength, and compose a new poetic chapter for the era."

Hu, in his welcoming remarks, described Huaihua as a place "embodying nostalgia, cultural richness, and open hospitality." He outlined the city’s efforts to integrate culture with technology and tourism, revitalizing Qu Yuan’s patriotic legacy. Hu also extended an invitation to the 5th Hunan Tourism Development Conference in September, urging poets and friends to gather in Huaihua, a blessed land where mountains, rivers, and cultures converge.

The ceremony featured Xupu county’s cultural tourism promotion by a live-action performance titled “Singing by the Xushui River · Soul of the Canglang Era”, and a thrilling dragon boat race. Post-inauguration events include the "Qu Yuan’s Nostalgic Poetry Gala" and national renowned poets’ familiarization tours under the theme "Fortune Land Huaihua · Poetic Source Xupu".

(Translated by Qu Qiongxue)