Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
In a recent tourism event held in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, overseas travel agents who attended the China International Travel Mart 2024 in Shanghai delved into the city’s rich cultural and tourism offerings. This gathering embraced the theme “Youyuan Jingmeng” or “The Interrupted Dream,” inspired by an excerpt from the celebrated Kunqu Opera classic Peony Pavilion, featuring the dreamlike romance of Du Liniang set against Suzhou’s famed ancient gardens, notably the Humble Administrator’s Garden.
The event brought together 30 travel experts from six Gulf countries and Russia, alongside 24 young Sinologists from 21 nations. Participants also mingled with 30 representatives from local travel agencies, online platforms, scenic spots, and hotels. The atmosphere vibrated with creativity as intangible cultural heritage work by masters Wu Wenkang and Chen Qiaosheng was showcased, both distinguished as part of the 2023 Forbes China Top 100 Outstanding Craftspeople.
Over two days, these travel agents explored Suzhou’s cultural landscape, inspecting landmarks like the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the picturesque Zhouzhuang water town, and a museum highlighting traditional Suzhou arts and crafts. These excursions offered a window into the city’s cultural tapestry, revealing the depth of its heritage and tourism resources, alongside the unique intangible cultural heritage products available.
The tourism event in Suzhou was part of a broader initiative led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It followed the China International Travel Mart 2024, the largest travel expo in Asia, which focused on promoting inbound tourism and fostering international tourism exchange. Suzhou, celebrated for its classical gardens and rich cultural heritage, proves to be an ideal showcase for cultural tourism, attracting interest from global travel agents and scholars alike.
The Suzhou tourism event illuminated the city’s cultural gems while fostering international connections within the travel industry. By introducing overseas agents to the beauty of Suzhou through its gardens and cultural craftsmanship, the initiative not only aimed to enhance tourism in the region but also strived to weave Suzhou into the fabric of global tourism narratives. Such efforts highlight China’s commitment to sharing its rich cultural heritage with the world.
