Thursday, March 7, 2024
Guiyang, the provincial capital of Guizhou, has recently gained prominence not merely as a pivotal gateway to Southwest China but as an attraction in its own right. The city is drawing visitors with its rich ethnic culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant urban life. The culture and tourism bureau of Guiyang disclosed that the city hosted 147 million visitors in 2023, with 31.2 million staying overnight, marking a 64.7 percent increase from the previous year.
A report by Ctrip for the 2024 Year of the Dragon Spring Festival indicated a surge in tourism orders for Guiyang by 105 percent from the previous year, with ticket sales rising almost sixfold. This placed Guiyang among the top ten unexpected destinations for domestic self-driving tours during the Spring Festival holiday.
Away from the urban center, a museum nestled in a village on Guiyang’s outskirts offers a quieter cultural experience. The Museum of Memory on Hands, situated 20 kilometers west of downtown Guiyang in Wenggong village, showcases intangible cultural heritage from several ethnic groups in Guizhou. Founded by Wang Xiaomei, a former journalist turned collector of Miao wax-dyeing work and other traditional handicrafts, the museum opened its new phoenix-shaped building in May last year, blending modern and traditional architectural elements.
The museum adopts an open storage display, popular in Europe and the US, allowing visitors an intimate view of the exhibits. It also offers workshops on ancient book restoration and traditional printing and dyeing techniques, inviting visitors to participate in local folk activities.
Despite welcoming over 17,000 visitors last year, Wang emphasizes the importance of genuine appreciation for the artifacts over visitor numbers. The museum also features a craft-and-bed hotel offering experiential courses in traditional handicrafts, complemented by local organic cuisine.
For nature enthusiasts, Baihua Lake near Wenggong village is a must-visit, with its ecological beauty preserved through strict protection measures. Zhao Ling, from the Baihua Lake Scenic Area, highlights the lake’s unique karst landscapes and the convenience of boat tours. The area has also seen a development in slow travel systems and homestays to enhance the visitor experience.
Guiyang’s efforts in promoting cultural heritage and natural wonders are significantly impacting its tourism sector, attracting both domestic and international visitors keen on exploring the city’s unique offerings.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
