The 2023 expedition tour of Hong Kong and Macao people from the culture and tourism circles to Hunan Province was launched in Zhangjiajie on March 25. More than 20 travel agent representatives from Hong Kong and Macao planned to visit Zhangjiajie, Xiangxi and Changsha, and carry out a six-day and five-night itinerary. This is Hunan's first cultural and tourism delegation from Hong Kong and Macao since China optimized the COVID-19 response.

The delegation arrived in Zhangjiajie on the evening of March 25. And that evening they visited the 72 Unusual Houses, a new landmark in Zhangjiajie, to experience the charm of buildings of Tujia ethnic group. The travel agent representatives would often stop to take photos. Luo Aiyu, president and general manager of Zhuolian Tourism Co., Ltd., marveled at the beautiful buildings. When she learned that the buildings were undergoing a new round of upgrades and that not all the illuminations were turned on yet, she exclaimed, "This may not be the best time for viewing, but I still think it's pretty!" Last year, Zhangjiajie hosted the first Tourism Development Conference of Hunan Province. The infrastructure, quality of scenic areas and services all have been improved. Luo noticed the changes and commented, "I came to Zhangjiajie four years ago, and this time I have a different feeling.”She had great expectations for her next trip.

After that, the delegation was expected to explore Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, watch folk performances at Charming Xiangxi Theater, and visit the Long March Starting Place Memorial Hall of the Second Front Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. On March 27, the delegation visits Furong Town, Aizhai Grand Bridge, and Fenghuang Ancient Town to experience the mysterious folk customs of Xiangxi. On March 28, the delegation will go to Changsha to visit the former site of the CPC Xiang Area Committee in Qingshuitang, the Former Residence of Jia Yi, Orange Isle, and Hunan Museum, to experience the charm of the internet-famous city.

Cui Suxiang, second-level inspector of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said, the event helps Hong Kong and Macao people from the culture and tourism circles to learn more about Hunan's unique cultural and tourism resources, features themed travel routes more suitable for Hong Kong and Macao people, and enables them to experience Hunan's stunning mountains and waters and splendid culture and taste delicious local food. 

Huang Guobin, second-level inspector of the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said that the event aims to further increase the influence of Hunan's cultural tourism brand in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to facilitate cultural tourism cooperation between the two sides.   

The event was hosted by the Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and organized by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn