#China #Cultural Heritage #Rural Innovation #Gansu Province #Tianshui, Longnan

Exploring Gansu: A Journey Through Culture and Innovation

In July 2025, a group of journalists from several Asian and North African nations, including Cambodia, Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Morocco, Thailand, and Vietnam, engaged in an insightful exploration of Gansu Province in China. This week-long adventure took them through the picturesque cities of Tianshui and Longnan, revealing a region rich in history and innovation.

Tracing Ancient Traditions

The journey commenced at the stunning Maiji Mountain Grottoes, an extraordinary site adorned with Buddhist carvings that date back approximately 1,600 years. Reporters were captivated by the unique artistic charm that these ancient sculptures embodied, eliciting heartfelt reactions. Akimitsu Kawakita from Tokyo Shimbun spoke highly of the site, noting its significance in showcasing craftsmanship. Similarly, Supachai Wuthichuwong from Thailand’s Manager Online expressed awe at the profound respect these historical artisans had for civilization through their works.

As part of their cultural exploration, the reporters also made stops at significant landmarks including the Fuxi Temple, the Hu Family Residence, and the Dadiwan archaeological site. The latter particularly stirred the enthusiasm of Myanmar journalist May Myat Mon, who remarked on the impressive preservation methods employed in Gansu, which she argued set a global standard for heritage protection.

Covering Industrial Shifts

The excursion continued in Longnan, where the reporters had the opportunity to visit the Xiangyu Olive Oil Industrial Park. Here, they learned about collaborative efforts between the company and local farmers aimed at fostering rural revitalization. The farm-to-table model adopted by Xiangyu underscores the importance of direct partnerships, effectively boosting household incomes while promoting olive-based products, including snacks and skincare items. This innovative approach illustrates the potential for agricultural sectors to transform local economies.

Further insights were gained at Jinhu Liquor, renowned for preserving traditional brewing techniques, and Jinhu Mining, where former extraction areas have been refined into tourism attractions. This shift not only highlights the region’s economic transformation but also illustrates a persistent commitment to sustainable development.

Spotlighting Culture and Conservation

To enrich their understanding of local customs, the travelling journalists attended several heritage performances, including the captivating Chigezhou masked dance, the multimedia spectacle titled Tianshui A Thousand Years of Splendor, and the vibrant White Horse Festival. These cultural presentations served to celebrate Gansu’s diverse traditions while connecting them to contemporary issues.

Alongside these cultural experiences, visits to natural sites like Wenxian Heaven Lake and Qinglong Mountain Tourism Resort showcased the region’s environmentally conscious management practices. This was a clear indication of China's efforts to harmonize tourism with ecological preservation, illustrating a model that other regions might aspire to emulate.

Jointly orchestrated by the China Center for International Communication Development (CCICD) and participating media, this tour allowed for an in-depth contextual understanding of Gansu’s evolving cultural landscape. The insights gained from this unique experience emphasized the province's balanced approach to heritage conservation and modernizations, providing a template for rural development that other regions may also adopt in their quest for harmonious growth.

Through these various facets of Gansu’s cultural and industrial tapestry, the journalists were not only able to document their adventures but also contribute to a broader narrative of regional revitalization through cultural appreciation and sustainable practices.