Celebrate Gansu’s Heritage And Landscapes: Explore The Silk Road With A Unified Approach

Reading Time: 3 minutes

In northwestern China, the mighty Yellow River winds its way through the Loess Plateau, crafting a stunning tableau of rugged mountains and flowing rivers. This river enriches the land, home to a mosaic of ethnic communities and vibrant cultures. Welcome to Gansu Province.

From July 15th to 21st, 2024, the “Foreign Journalists’ Tour to Gansu” successfully took place. This event was organized by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Gansu Province in collaboration with the China Center for International Communication Development (CCICD). Over 10 journalists from Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and Vietnam were invited to explore various locations within the province, including Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and Lanzhou city.

Throughout the week-long tour, the journalists delved into Gansu Province’s rich historical and cultural heritage, visiting sites such as the Bingling Temple Grottoes, Labrang Monastery, Milariba Monastery, and Ganjia Secret Land. They experienced the vibrant ethnic customs firsthand. During their interviews in Bafang Shisanxiang and Jialagama Village, the journalists observed the unity among Gansu’s diverse ethnic groups and their collaborative efforts towards progress. They were also captivated by the province’s stunning natural beauty, including the vast Yellow River, expansive grasslands, and breathtaking Danxia landscapes.

The tour highlighted Gansu’s unique intangible cultural heritage, showcasing crafts like Thangka art, Hui brick carving, and colored pottery painting. The journalists also visited the Linxia Baiyi Yinong International Flower Port, Xingsheng Dairy Cattle Breeding Specialized Cooperative in Gengzhi Village, and Hualing Dairy Group, gaining insight into how these thriving specialty industries drive the local economy.

National unity fosters a harmonious and cohesive nation

The journey begins in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture. Here, journalists from around the globe visited Bafang Shisan Xiang to witness the crafting of traditional handicrafts like Hui brick carving, Han wood carving, Hezhou egg carving, and Linxia clay sculpture. They engaged with local ethnic communities, toured mosques in residential areas, and observed the significant transformations following street reconstructions in these culturally rich neighborhoods.

In Jialagama Village, Jianmuke’er Sub-district, Hezuo City, the journalists explored the development of Tibetan ecological parks, tent camps, and public spaces within the cultural tourism village, notable for being the first in Gannan Prefecture to have natural gas service. They visited Tibetan households to gain insight into the village’s progress in enhancing living conditions, local employment, education, and overall welfare. Their visit concluded with a tour of Labrang Monastery in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, renowned as the “World Academy of Tibetan Buddhism Studies,” where they explored the deep-rooted traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

Drive economic growth through industrial empowerment

At Linxia Baiyi Yinong International Flower Port, journalists examined the growth of Linxia’s fresh cut flower sector. Leveraging the region’s rich floral resources, the port has established a high-tech flower industrial park featuring advanced smart greenhouses, significantly boosting employment opportunities for local farmers.

In Gengzhi Village, Nawu Town, Gannan Prefecture, journalists explored Xingsheng Dairy Cattle Breeding Specialized Cooperative and Hualing Dairy Group. They gained comprehensive insights into Hezuo City’s strategies, impacts, and experiences in advancing animal husbandry and increasing the income of yak milk producers.

Open a new chapter in environmental stewardship through ecological conservation

During their visit, journalists traveled along the scenic “most beautiful road in Gansu,” a picturesque route through the Taizi Mountain area in Linxia. They enjoyed the serene beauty of nature and observed the significant progress in ecological conservation efforts. In the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the Meiren Grassland showcased a vibrant landscape. Journalists donned traditional Tibetan attire and rode horses, immersing themselves in the nomadic culture and adding fresh energy to the region’s tourism development.

At Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park, the journalists were captivated by the stunning scenery. They attended a captivating performance, “Galloping Horses on Danxia,” and explored the history of the Silk Road, horse culture, and equestrian skills. The striking Danxia cliffs, wind rocks, and other geological formations were especially awe-inspiring against the backdrop of clear skies.

Foster innovation while collaboratively preserving cultural heritage.

During their visit to the Bingling Temple grottoes, journalists were captivated by the ancient caves that have been preserved for millennia. The diverse and intricately carved grotto statues and detailed murals drew their admiration and attention.

At the Gannan Cultural Center, they marveled at a 111-meter-long Thangka artwork, “The Red Army’s Long March through Gannan.” The principal artist, Xiawuduojie, provided an in-depth explanation of the materials and techniques used in creating this piece. The journalists were struck by the vibrant colors and praised both the Thangka and the rich Tibetan culture it represents.

Their exploration continued at the Lanzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Center, where they engaged with various cultural treasures, including the dynamic Lanzhou Taiping Drum, the exciting Yongdeng high stilts, the melodious Lanzhou drum, and the Yellow River water wheel, which has historically benefited the local population. This visit offered them a deeper appreciation of the Silk Road culture, Yellow River heritage, and the integration of diverse cultural elements.