What they say

Editor's note: The State Council Information Office held a group interview on Wednesday in Beijing to discuss promoting high-quality cultural and tourism development across the nation to improve people's lives.

Meng Qingyang, dancer with China Oriental Performing Arts Group

Chinese ethnic dance has a long and rich history, with each performance and character deeply rooted in history and culture. For example, the theatrical dance show A Tapestry of a Legendary Land is inspired by the famous Song Dynasty (960-1279) painting A Thousand Miles of Streams and Mountains. To truly bring this work to life, it's important not only to master the basic dance techniques but also to understand the cultural stories behind it. This understanding allows the dance to capture the essence of the ancient painting and brings the painting to life through the performance.

Huang Xiaoli, curator of the Dongguan Culture Center, Guangdong provinc

Creating a culture center without walls means opening our doors to the community and transforming it into a cultural hub for everyone. We aim to be welcoming and inclusive, sharing our resources with the public. Like convenience stores, our cultural centers have branches at the city, town and village levels, reaching every corner of Dongguan city. We also strive to have operating hours similar to those of convenience stores. Currently, the centers are open all year round, from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm. During these hours, residents can enjoy performances, view exhibitions, learn new skills, or simply relax with tea, incense, or coffee while engaging in discussions and making new friends.

Yang Changqin, general manager of Chishui Qianshou Bamboo Art Development Co, Guizhou province

I believe that intangible cultural heritage is passed down through our everyday production and living activities. Take Chishui bamboo weaving, for example. With a history of nearly 400 years, it has evolved from being used as everyday household and farming tools to becoming crafts, practical items and even collectibles. Essentially, it involves blending ancient techniques with the aesthetic preferences of each era, ensuring its transmission to the present day and capturing a broader market. We have also developed a series of experience courses on intangible cultural heritage for the public, allowing them to become participants in preserving this heritage.

Gu Yue, docent at Chongqing Hongyan Revolutionary History Museum

As docents of a revolutionary history museum, we act as a bridge between Red history and our audience. Our role is to effectively narrate the stories of the Communist Party of China, the revolution, the base areas and the heroes and martyrs. We strive to maximize the impact of Red tourism in educating and shaping minds, subtly fostering an understanding and appreciation of Red culture among our audience, particularly the younger generation. This understanding encourages personal reflection, from which they can draw strength to progress, inherit the Red legacy and bolster cultural confidence.

Cao Zhen, tour guide at Utour Group Co

Chinese civilization is rich and profound, boasting an unbroken history that spans thousands of years. China is a vast nation, celebrated for its stunning beauty and breathtaking landscapes. I believe that tour guides not only have a responsibility to share the beauty of our country's scenery and culture, but they also embody the essence of the destinations they present. As tour guides, we must be bold in preserving traditions while embracing innovation, ensuring our tour services capture both local charm and modern flair. This is how we can confidently and effectively share China's stories and amplify its voice on the global stage.