President Xi Jinping Unveils Vision for High-Quality Development of China's Tourism Industry on 14th China Tourism Day
In a significant push for the country's tourism sector, President Xi Jinping has articulated a comprehensive vision for the development of China's tourism industry, emphasizing the need to accelerate the construction of a strong tourism nation and promote high-quality development. This directive comes amidst the celebration of the 14th China Tourism Day on May 19, a date commemorating the travels of Xu Xiake, a famed Chinese travel writer of the Ming dynasty. Xu Xiake's extensive travels and writings have inspired generations, making his recorded date of travel on May 19, 1613, the chosen date for this annual celebration.
19 May 2024
President Xi's directives are encapsulated in the "One-Three-Five" framework. The "One" refers to the unique path China has carved out in its tourism development, a path that has brought about unprecedented prosperity for local economies while elevating the cultural experiences of tourists. Xi highlighted that regions have innovatively "competed" to offer novel cultural and tourism experiences, creating a win-win situation for both tourists and local communities. The "Three" principles outlined by President Xi are maintaining integrity and innovation, improving quality and efficiency, and fostering integrated development. These twelve principles, as Xi noted, are the "golden keys" to the future of tourism development in China.
They are seen as essential for all cultural and tourism sectors to carefully consider and implement. To meticulously balance five key relationships is the essence of the "Five" component of Xi's framework. These relationships include the balance between government and market forces, supply and demand, protection and development, domestic and international tourism, and development and safety. This comprehensive approach underscores Xi's deep understanding of the intricate dynamics at play in the tourism industry.
This year's China Tourism Day celebrations were marked by an array of activities and promotions across the country. Notably, there were widespread discounts and special offers aimed at encouraging domestic travel. For instance, Shanghai's cultural and tourism authorities organized a half-price ticket campaign for 62 scenic spots, including prominent attractions such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Wild Animal Park.
Additionally, individuals born on May 19 received free admission to select attractions, enhancing the festive spirit. The celebration of China Tourism Day also included highlighting the cultural and historical significance of various tourist destinations. Weibo users shared their thoughts and excitement about the diverse landscapes and rich heritage sites featured in popular television dramas, which have significantly boosted tourism in their filming locations.
"After watching 'My Altai,' I really want to visit Altai," one user commented, reflecting the growing trend of travel inspired by film and television. The initiative extended beyond mere promotions. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism launched numerous measures to make tourism more accessible and enjoyable for the populace. Over 6,300 promotional activities and discounts were rolled out nationwide, including over one billion yuan in consumption vouchers, free or discounted entrance fees to scenic spots, and special offers from tourism enterprises. These measures were part of a broader effort to stimulate cultural and tourism consumption. Visual cues from various regions of China enhanced the narrative of China's rich cultural tapestry.
Descriptors of scenic locations like "Penglai Pavilion," referred to as "a paradise on earth," and "Remnants of Snow on the Broken Bridge" in West Lake emphasized the picturesque and historically significant sites that embody the depth and beauty of Chinese heritage.
Prominent landmarks such as the Potala Palace, described as "a magnificent fortress-like structure showcasing Tibetan architectural styles," and the Fujian Tulou, noted for their "unique earth buildings constructed by the Hakka people," were highlighted as embodiments of China's diverse cultural landscape. Weibo reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with users expressing their wanderlust and appreciation for China's natural and cultural wonders.
However, the discussions also revealed some controversies and concerns. For example, some users pointed out the need for better preservation and management of these historical sites to prevent damage from increased tourist footfall. "Tourism should not come at the expense of our cultural heritage," one user remarked, reflecting a sentiment that while tourism growth is beneficial, it must be balanced with sustainable practices to ensure the protection of these treasured sites.
In addition to promotions and cultural highlights, the day was marked by interactive events, live broadcasts, and social media campaigns that encouraged people to share their travel stories and experiences. The theme "Walking Beautiful China" resonated deeply with the idea of exploring the nation's vast and varied landscapes, from the northern expanses to the southern rain-soaked regions, from the majestic Kunlun Mountains to the pristine blue seas. Overall, the 14th China Tourism Day underscored a collective celebration of China's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, while also laying out a strategic roadmap for the sustainable and high-quality development of the tourism sector. President Xi Jinping's vision and the active participation of both the public and private sectors signal a promising future for China's tourism industry.