Nestled at the southern foot of Mount Heng in Hunan Province, China, the historic city of Hengyang is set to host the 3rd Hunan Tourism Development Conference from September 20 to 22, 2024. This year’s conference, themed “Polishing Hunan’s Historical and Cultural Card through Culture-based Tourism,” will showcase the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and its innovative integration with modern tourism.
Hengyang, known historically as Hengzhou and fondly referred to as the “City of Wild Geese,” boasts a captivating history spanning over 2,000 years. Its connection to migrating geese, a recurring theme in Chinese folklore, has shaped its cultural identity, enriching the spiritual tapestry of Chinese civilization.
The conference will kick off with a captivating opening ceremony hosted by the AI character “Huo Chuquan.” This groundbreaking event will blend AI and traditional culture, transforming two-dimensional mascots into three-dimensional figures using advanced technology. This innovative display sets a precedent for a “nationwide” and “digitally intelligent” launch event, highlighting the dynamic spirit of Huxiang culture.
The conference will feature 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. These events will showcase the evolution of urban and rural landscapes in Hengyang, highlighting the city’s accomplishments in cultural tourism development.
Attendees can also participate in five supportive activities, including the 2024 Hunan Cultural and Tourism Industry Investment and Financing Conference and the 3rd Hunan Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo.
Hengyang is poised to become a major hub for cultural exchange, investment attraction, and tourism promotion. The city’s strategic initiatives, including 18 key promotional campaigns, 68 cultural and tourism projects, and over 430 themed promotional events, have fostered significant economic growth.
The city’s tourism sector is flourishing, attracting over 36 million visitors in the first half of 2024 alone, an 8% increase from the previous year. Tourism revenue surged to 36.425 billion yuan, representing a nearly 11% year-on-year growth.
The 3rd Hunan Tourism Development Conference is not only a celebration of the harmonious blend of culture and tourism but also a testament to Hengyang’s ongoing development and cultural renaissance. The event will showcase the city’s commitment to innovation, cultural preservation, and economic prosperity, solidifying its position as a leading destination for cultural tourism in China.
