Revolution-themed tourism inspires more young people with advanced technology

Revolution-themed tourism, which refers to visiting historical sites with a modern legacy of the Chinese revolution leading to the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, has attracted more young people so far in the week-long National Day holiday that started on October 1, as many museums and scenic spots have adopted cutting-edge technologies and introduced interactive experiences, injecting new vitality into the preservation and development of "red culture".

"Red culture" refers to the "red legacies" and "red spirit" that have emerged during China's revolution, construction and reform under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, in order to achieve national independence, economic progress, cultural prosperity and national rejuvenation.

The large-scale "red culture" live-action drama "Hong'an Always Red", made its debut during the National Day holiday in Hong'an County of Huanggang City in central China's Hubei Province -- a leading revolutionary base of the CPC in the 1930s.

The production combines real-life props with sound, lighting, and special effects to create an immersive interactive experience.

"Compared to traditional red dramas, it offers a stronger sense of technology and immersion. It allows us, as people living nowadays, to feel as if we were crossing back into that era. I believe our life today is truly hard-won," said Ruan Hongying, a tourist.

Bringing red culture to life has become a common goal for many scenic spots rich in red cultural resources. In Xianfeng County, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hubei Province, during the National Day holiday, many visitors used VR panoramic experience stations to immerse themselves in classic scenes from the Long March of the Red Army.

In Yudu County of Ganzhou City, east China's Jiangxi Province, the large-scale red cultural and tourism epic "The First Crossing of the Long March" is spectacularly performed at the Long March assembly site. Audience members are able to experience an immersive journey through time, reliving the heroic and turbulent years of that historic era.

The Long March was a strategic operation undertaken by the CPC-led Red Army when being pursued by hordes of Kuomintang (KMT) troops between 1934-1936.

The 12,500-kilometer march began with over 80,000 soldiers in Ruijin and Gucheng in Jiangxi Province, and ended in Yan'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

In Zibo City of east China's Shandong Province, at the 618 Wartime Radio Station Red Education Base, numerous visitors venture into the deep, dark tunnels to experience that unique period of history.

"I think it is incredibly meaningful for me to visit a Chinese revolution-themed education base during the National Day holiday. I was deeply moved by the spirit of perseverance and hard work of the people at that time, which inspires us young people to forge ahead and keep advancing," said Cui Yujiao, a tourist.

Revolution-themed tourism inspires more young people with advanced technology

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition