The 3rd Hunan Tourism Development Conference is underway in Hengyang City, Hunan Province, Southern China, from September 20 to 22. This year’s conference, themed “Polishing Hunan’s Historical and Cultural Card through Culture-based Tourism,” aims to enhance the region’s cultural tourism through a series of key events and activities.
The conference features three main events: the Opening Ceremony and Cultural Tourism Promotion Conference, the Promotion of Key Cultural and Tourism Projects, and the Hunan Tourism Industry Development Promotion Conference. Additionally, five supporting activities are scheduled, including the 2024 Hunan Cultural and Tourism Industry Investment and Financing Conference and the 3rd Hunan Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo.
Hengyang, located at the foot of Mount Heng (Hengshan Mountain) in Nanyue, is steeped in history, having been known as Hengzhou in ancient times. The city is fondly referred to as the “City of Wild Geese,” as migrating wild geese would often stop here to rest. With a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, Hengyang’s culture is deeply intertwined with the symbolism of wild geese, adding to the spiritual fabric of Chinese civilization.
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony is the use of an AI host named “Huo Chuquan.” The event will integrate advanced technology with cultural elements, bringing the conference’s original two-dimensional mascots to life in three dimensions through AI. The ceremony will employ visually stunning multimedia technology, showcasing the digital and intelligent capabilities of the event while emphasising the confidence in Huxiang culture.
During the conference, key cultural tourism projects will be promoted to demonstrate Hunan’s achievements and the evolving urban and rural landscapes of Hengyang. This year’s event is designed not only as a cultural and tourism celebration but also as an opportunity for economic development.
Hengyang City has strategically combined the conference with initiatives aimed at boosting investment and promoting consumption. A comprehensive plan has been put in place that includes 18 key promotion projects and the implementation of 68 “City Revitalization through Culture and Tourism” initiatives. Furthermore, the city has conducted over 430 themed investment promotion activities, leading to the signing and introduction of 19 major cultural tourism projects, amounting to a total investment of 18 billion yuan.
The results of these efforts are already evident, with Hengyang City welcoming 36.178 million tourists in the first half of 2024, marking an 8% year-on-year increase. Tourism revenue reached 36.425 billion yuan, a rise of 10.87% compared to the previous year.
The Hunan Tourism Development Conference serves as a platform for promoting the region’s cultural heritage while fostering investment opportunities. As the event progresses, it aims to strengthen Hunan’s position as a prominent destination for culture-based tourism, drawing attention to its rich historical legacy and vibrant future.