By tf-lawyer.com On October 12, an exciting cultural initiative, titled “Cultural Xiangyang Tour,” kicked off in Xiangyang, Hubei Province. This event brings together representatives from 15 overseas Chinese-language media outlets hailing from 13 countries, including France, the UK, Italy, Canada, Australia, Egypt, Brazil, and Japan, for a five-day exploration of Xiangyang’s unique cultural charm.
Nestled in the heart of central China along the Han River, Xiangyang is a city steeped in history, known as the birthplace of Chu culture, the core of Han culture, and the cradle of Three Kingdoms culture. Historically recognized as a bustling metropolis that connected seven provinces, it has also been celebrated as the “city of chivalry” in the works of renowned author Jin Yong and as a city rich in national historical and cultural heritage depicted in ancient poetry. Today, Xiangyang stands out as a key city in the central region, the central city in the Han River basin, and an auxiliary city within Hubei Province.
Throughout the event, representatives from overseas Chinese media will participate in an immersive experience, exploring various locales such as Xiangcheng District, Nanzhang County, and Zaozhuang City. They will delve into the origins of Three Kingdoms stories at historic sites like Gulongzhong and Shuijingzhuang, discover the inheritance and evolution of Han culture at Baishui Temple and China Han City, and connect with history at the Ancient Dragon Stele and Spring and Autumn Fort. Participants will engage with intangible cultural heritage and witness the interplay of traditional culture with modern civilization in places like the Old City of Xiangyang, Xianshou Mountain, Guanjia Lane, and Xiangshui Street.
“Cultural identity is the soul of a city,” remarks Chen Jian, a standing committee member of the Xiangyang Municipal Committee and the Minister of Propaganda. With over 700 historical and cultural landmarks, Xiangyang aims to establish itself as a notable hub for cultural preservation and transmission. This year alone has seen the completion of several new cultural landmarks, including Guanjia Lane, Xiangyang’s new museum, Xiangshui Street, and Xianshou Mountain, attracting significant public interest. In addition, Xiangyang is a city on the rise, boasting a thriving industrial cluster led by the automotive and new energy vehicle sectors, with a regional GDP reaching 584.3 billion yuan in 2023, the highest among non-provincial capital cities in central China. This ancient city is now composing a new symphony of heritage and development.
For Kang Gao, the editor-in-chief of Canada’s “Times Weekly,” this marks his first visit to Xiangyang. He shared his impressions, saying that a nighttime stroll along the Han River and through the ancient city allowed him to truly grasp the cultural depth and vibrancy of Xiangyang. He expressed excitement for the upcoming itinerary and emphasized the opportunity for overseas Chinese media to tell compelling stories about Xiangyang’s culture and development.
During the event, the winners of Xiangyang’s inaugural Cultural Industry Creative Design Competition were announced, showcasing a diverse range of participants including local creative enterprises, design agencies, university students, and cultural enthusiasts. A total of 40 entries received first, second, and third place awards, while another 40 were recognized as finalists, alongside five excellence organizational awards.
This event is co-hosted by the Propaganda Department of the Xiangyang Municipal Committee and the Hubei branch of the China News Service, with the Hubei subsidiary of the China News Service (Beijing) International Communication Group serving as the organizer. The initiative will run until October 15.
