As twilight embraced Zhaoxing Dong village in Guizhou Province, the sound of a soaring soprano voice filled the air, energising the streets with vibrant melodies. Under a majestic drum tower, singing groups showcased the Dong ethnic group’s folk chorus, celebrated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. “What started as a local performance transformed into a grand spectacle with over 130 choruses and traditional parades,” shares Lu Yanyu, a guardian of this cultural legacy. “By day, we farm; by night, we perform—it’s pure joy.”
Guizhou, a mosaic of diverse ethnicities, has cultivated a rich cultural heritage that continues to gain recognition worldwide. Villages like Xijiang Qianhu Miao and Sanbao Dong have become treasured destinations for travellers. Miao silver jewellery and intricate Shui embroidery now grace international markets, while unique handicrafts such as Miao batik and pottery entice tourists, becoming cherished souvenirs.
Currently, Guizhou is executing a robust cultural strategy aimed at heritage preservation and research, identifying 128 essential initiatives to transform the province into a cultural powerhouse. Hailongtun, Guizhou’s sole UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, showcases tireless restoration efforts. “Reflective markers are essential for monitoring wall integrity; each stone is meticulously numbered and restored,” explains Ji Tao, director of cultural management. The site breathes again through diligent care that respects its history.
The region’s cultural richness includes numerous recognitions: a UNESCO World site, three Intangible Cultural Heritage entries, 1,655 historical landmarks, and over 4,300 intangible heritage projects. To fortify this legacy, Guizhou has assembled a panel of 121 renowned experts, publishing a wealth of accessible academic literature and works.
Cultural and tourism growth in Guizhou thrives through the synergy of industry and heritage. By harnessing resources from 753 Long March relics and numerous ethnic villages, the province has launched landmark tourism projects. With a year-on-year increase of 11.0 percent in tourist numbers and 14.8 percent in revenue during early 2024, this approach sets the stage for a flourishing cultural tourism ecosystem.
The boom has birthed innovative business models, like in Rongjiang county where ethnic culture merges with sports, showcasing events like the Village Super League and vibrant street-side concerts in Guiyang. Celebrations like the Guzang and Miao Sisters Festivals reveal the charm and diversity of Guizhou’s ethnic cultures.
By leveraging its cultural attributes, Guizhou seeks to intertwine tourism with agriculture, wellness, and sports, enriching product offerings and extending industrial chains. Simultaneously, cultural welfare programs and community events amplify the cultural presence in daily life, ensuring residents reap the benefits of this vibrant heritage.
Guizhou is experiencing a cultural tourism boom, highlighted by vibrant performances in Zhaoxing Dong village, attracting numerous singing groups. The province, rich in ethnic diversity, has gained both national and international recognition for its cultural heritage, with restoration initiatives for Hailongtun and various tourism projects boosting visitor numbers and revenue. Innovative cultural activities enhance community engagement, while the integration of culture with industry creates a sustainable growth model.
Guizhou’s cultural tourism renaissance exemplifies the blend of heritage preservation and innovative practices, showcasing the richness of its ethnic diversity. With strategic initiatives aimed at revitalisation and recognition, the province is turning its cultural assets into a thriving tourism landscape. As this transformation unfolds, Guizhou not only celebrates its past but also integrates it into contemporary life, ensuring local communities benefit creatively and economically from their cultural legacy.
Original Source: en.antaranews.com
