HAIKOU, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) — At the Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park in Baoting, a Li and Miao autonomous county in south China’s Hainan Province, visitors are warmly greeted with “Bolong” in the Li dialect by everyone, from sprightly children to elders over 80.
The 80-year-old Fu Jinhua, a member of the Li ethnic group, was busy weaving traditional Li brocade. “I’m very happy to work here in the scenic area. Every day, tourists come to see my work, and some even place special orders for Li brocade,” she said with a smile.
Within the scenic area, tourists can admire the intricate art of brocade weaving, experience traditional Li wedding customs, savor local tea and wine, and immerse themselves in the rhythms of everyday life.
“Visiting Hainan, which has a markedly different climate and culture from my hometown, has been truly amazing. The Li culture here is so distinctive. We sang together, interacted with the Li people, and had an unforgettable experience,” said Ariun Gia, a tourist from Mongolia.
“We aim to make intangible cultural heritage both fashionable and immersive. By showcasing a variety of traditional skills, we want tourists to experience the local people, the crafts, and the real-life scenes behind the heritage,” said Chen Guodong, deputy general manager of Hainan Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park.
From the ancient Li and Miao traditions to the distinctive Tanka culture and the international performances that captivate audiences worldwide, Hainan is integrating its diverse cultural heritage into tourism to drive growth and spending, providing fresh momentum for the province’s development as an international tourism and consumption center.
At Xincun Port in Lingshui Li autonomous county, sunlight danced across the neat wooden houses set atop fish rafts, revealing a place that is both the enduring home of the Tanka people and an emerging draw for visitors.
The Tanka-style homestays on the sea bring this unique culture to life, showcasing traditional handmade quilts, fishing nets that adorn the walls, and even cups shaped like seashells.
Tourists can not only join the Tanka people in beachcombing and savour freshly caught seafood, but also listen to their stories and explore their historical traditions alongside modern developments.
“We have integrated traditional fishing life into tourism, an approach that helps preserve the Tanka culture while creating unique memories for visitors,” said Guo Yuguang, general manager of a local Tanka cultural tourism company.
Following the performances by American singers Kanye West and Charlie Puth in Haikou last year, Katy Perry is set to perform in the city this November.
Qi Qi, from northeast China’s Liaoning Province, is a huge Katy Perry fan and has secured a ticket for her Haikou concert. “Katy Perry rarely comes to China, and I have always wanted to watch her live show. In November, it’s already very cold in my hometown, so attending a concert in such a warm place will be an amazing experience,” she said, adding that she also wants to try some local cuisines.
More and more visitors like Qi are coming to Hainan to watch live performances, generating significant spending on dining, accommodation and shopping.
According to data, Haikou has hosted 22 large-scale concerts and music festivals this year, attracting 441,000 attendees and generating a total economic impact of 2.15 billion yuan (about 302.6 million U.S. dollars).
Haikou will continue to integrate culture and tourism, leverage global resources with an open approach, and develop into an international performing arts city, thereby helping Hainan become a global tourism and consumption hub, said Zhang Yan, deputy director of Haikou municipal bureau of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports. ■
