In July, the Bashan Grand Canyon, shrouded in mist, offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat and showcases the surging momentum of cultural-tourism integration. From July 23 to 24, the “Walking China · 2025 Overseas Chinese Media Sichuan-Chongqing Tour in Bashan Grand Canyon” event was held as scheduled. Over 20 overseas Chinese-language media outlets, along with provincial mainstream media from Sichuan and municipal and county-level media, gathered in Dazhou. Through their pens and lenses, they revealed the unique charm of “Ba Culture & Dazhou Serenity” to the world. This event not only celebrated the achievements of the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle on its fifth anniversary but also highlighted Dazhou’s dynamic efforts in promoting 5A-level scenic area development through cultural-tourism synergy.
Tracing Cultural Roots: A Dialogue Between History and the Present
“The Luojiaba site, dating back 4,500 years, is one of the important cradles of Ba culture,” a guide explained at the Luojiaba Site Museum, leaving visiting journalists in deep thought. As the first stop of the tour, this museum, which preserves the cultural DNA of the Ba people, transforms ancient history into tangible tourism resources — the rope patterns on pottery, the gleam of bronze swords, and the archeological narratives displayed on boards offer visitors an immersive experience of Ba culture.
Dazhou’s development strategy of “culture as the soul, tourism as the body” is exemplified by the protection and revitalization of the Luojiaba site. By converting archeological findings into tourism products, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Ba culture. This approach not only enhances the travel experience but also reinforces Dazhou’s identity as the “hometown of the Ba people.”
Exploring Tourism Dynamics: The Interplay of Nature and Culture
After the rain, the Bashan Grand Canyon offers a captivating view — the Taxus chinensis boardwalk at Luopanding winds through clouds and mist, while the famous Yunding Glass Bridge stretches across a deep gorge. Known as the world’s leading glass bridge in terms of rock anchor span and height difference, it is both a natural wonder and an iconic tourist landmark.
“The 20°C summer here feels so much cooler than the 42°C heat in Chongqing!” exclaimed Liu Lanling, a reporter from Indonesia’s Qianshao Daily, highlighting the canyon’s appeal as a summer retreat. This allure stems not only from its pristine natural beauty but also from the thoughtful integration of diverse tourism experiences. At Taoxi Renjia, visitors can enjoy “cave coffee” while taking in the tranquil streams, embracing a slower pace of life.
As night falls at Baihu Square, the “Ba Culture Wedding Ritual Show” brings the centuries-old Tujia marriage customs to life. The solemn “gong escort” procession and interactive “embroidered ball” tradition captivated the visiting reporters. “It’s my first time seeing such a performance — truly impressive!” said Yang Shiyuan, Chairman of Sri Lanka’s Ceylonese. By combining intangible cultural heritage with tourism, Dazhou adds warmth and authenticity to its offerings, a key part of its strategy to enrich cultural-tourism experiences and strengthen its brand appeal.
Amplifying Impact: Media Collaboration Boosts Brand Value
“As overseas Chinese media, our goal is to showcase this beauty to the world,” said Wu Jun, a journalist from the UAE’s Oasis Times, voicing the shared mission of the visiting media group. This event saw overseas Chinese media and local media join forces to create a powerful “media matrix,” offering both visual showcases of natural landscapes and in-depth explorations of cultural heritage. This synergy aligns perfectly with Dazhou’s ambition to “expand and elevate its cultural-tourism industry.”
“We’re considering recommending this area as a filming location to tell the canyon’s story through cinematic language,” Wu Jun added, reflecting the growing trend of “technology empowerment.” By leveraging films, new media, and other creative platforms, the brand of “Ba Culture & Dazhou Serenity” is set to reach wider audiences. This media tour was not just a showcase of Dazhou’s 5A scenic area progress but also a catalyst for future growth.
(Article and photos courtesy of Daxuan.)