China’s Guizhou Province Fosters Tourism And Community Growth Through Cultural Heritage

Guizhou combines its rich ethnic traditions, tourism development, and community-driven efforts to foster cultural preservation, boost economic progress, and attract global visitors.

As darkness descended, a captivating soprano voice resonated across Zhaoxing Dong village in Liping county, part of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture in southwest China’s Guizhou province, reports People’s Daily.

The village sprang to life. Beneath a towering drum structure, numerous singing ensembles alternated in performing the majestic Dong ethnic group songs, a folk chorus recognized by UNESCO as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Guizhou, a province rich in ethnic diversity, has fostered a vibrant and varied cultural heritage. In recent years, its unique cultural traditions have garnered national and global acclaim. Villages such as Xijiang Qianhu Miao and Sanbao Dong have become must-visit spots for travelers. The intricate Miao silver jewelry and Shui ethnic horsetail embroidery have transitioned from the mountains to international recognition. Additionally, traditional crafts like Miao embroidery, batik, Yazhou pottery, and Miao clay whistles are now prized souvenirs for tourists, with a growing market overseas.

The province is actively pursuing significant cultural initiatives through a comprehensive strategy focusing on nine key areas, including advanced cultural research, heritage protection, and exhibition development. With 128 prioritized actions, Guizhou aims to accelerate its progress toward becoming a culturally prosperous region.

Nestled among rolling mountains, the ancient Hailongtun site, Guizhou’s sole UNESCO World Cultural Heritage location, stretches far into the horizon, with its moss-covered walls telling stories of the past.

Through meticulous restoration efforts and the successful recovery of 15,212 unearthed artifacts, Hailongtun has been brought back to life, showcasing the province’s commitment to preserving its cultural treasures.

Guizhou is rich in cultural heritage, with one UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, three entries on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, 1,655 historically recognized buildings, over 4,300 intangible cultural heritage sites, and more than 700 officially recognized cultural inheritors.

To further safeguard its heritage and ensure its transmission, Guizhou has launched several cultural preservation initiatives, bringing in 121 renowned experts to form an academic committee. The province has also published a range of accessible academic books and literary works to enhance public knowledge.

The fusion of culture and industry has fueled Guizhou’s tourism and cultural development. The province has utilized 753 Long March relics, 757 traditional Chinese villages, and 312 ethnic minority villages to create notable cultural tourism projects that attract visitors from around the world.

This integrated approach has spurred the growth of a vibrant cultural and tourism ecosystem. In the first three quarters of 2024, Guizhou saw a 11% increase in tourists and a 14.8% rise in tourism revenue compared to the previous year.

The booming cultural tourism sector has also led to the rise of innovative business models. In Rongjiang county, the fusion of ethnic culture with sports has proven to be a winning combination. The Village Super League of soccer and the Village Basketball Association have transformed from viral trends into enduring cultural fixtures. Meanwhile, in Guiyang, “street-side concerts” have brought an energetic vibe to daily life, while festivals such as the Guzang Festival and the Miao Sisters Festival showcase the unique charm of the region’s ethnic cultures.

By leveraging its distinctive cultural assets, Guizhou is strengthening the integration of tourism with industries like sports, agriculture, and wellness, expanding tourism products, enhancing industrial value chains, and improving the overall quality of its offerings.

In parallel, Guizhou has been actively rolling out cultural welfare initiatives to improve public cultural services and create a vibrant cultural life for local residents through various community-based activities, ensuring that the benefits of the province’s cultural prosperity are felt by all.