▲ Craig (left), General Manager of Tourism New Zealand Asia, writer Shu Qiao, and director Wuershan (right) toast at the event
June 5, 2017, Beijing — Today, Tourism New Zealand held the launch event for the 'Heart of the Long White Cloud' film series, releasing eight promotional videos centered on cinematic storytelling, culture, food, and wine. Through an in-depth and nuanced humanistic lens, the series follows film director Wuershan and writer/food expert Shu Qiao on a journey through New Zealand’s Central Region, exploring inspiration, creativity, gastronomy, and organic ecology.
▲ Speech by Craig (David Craig), General Manager of Tourism New Zealand Asia
▲ Craig (David Craig), General Manager of Tourism New Zealand Asia
In recent years, the growth of independent travel to New Zealand from China has been remarkable, with more Chinese travelers seeking unconventional experiences and planning their itineraries based on personal interests. David Craig, General Manager of Tourism New Zealand Asia, said, “This focus on the ‘Heart of the Long White Cloud’ region aims to showcase the best of diverse interests and themes, expanding beyond conventional New Zealand travel routes. It is also a further extension of our China market strategy. Through this series, we hope to present the multifaceted charm of New Zealand and encourage Chinese travelers to explore beyond the popular destinations and discover the Central Region on a deeper level.”
▲ Writer Shu Qiao shares her experience filming the 'Heart of the Long White Cloud' series with Tourism New Zealand
▲ Director Wuershan discusses his experience filming the 'Heart of the Long White Cloud' series with Tourism New Zealand
For this project, Tourism New Zealand collaborated with influencers Wuershan and Shu Qiao to highlight New Zealand’s culture, landscapes, and way of life through various lenses including film, art, culture, food, and wine. In the films, Wuershan and Shu Qiao engage in deep conversations with a variety of New Zealand filmmakers, gourmets, and artists, immersing themselves in the daily lives of locals to uncover lesser-known humanistic experiences in New Zealand.
▲ Director Wuershan (left) and writer Shu Qiao attend the launch event for the 'Heart of the Long White Cloud' film series by Tourism New Zealand
The 'Heart of the Long White Cloud' is located in the geographical center of New Zealand, spanning both the North and South Islands, and includes three key areas: Wellington (dubbed the 'coolest little capital in the world'), Marlborough (known as the 'land of Sauvignon Blanc'), and Nelson (the 'city of sunshine'). Each of these three regions boasts a distinct personality and offers the ultimate experiences in New Zealand’s film, art, culture, food, and wine.
▲ Film director Wuershan
In Wellington, director Wuershan experienced the collision and fusion of Māori traditional culture and cutting-edge cinematic creativity, engaging in an in-depth conversation with Sir Richard Taylor, co-founder of Weta Workshop, about New Zealand’s film industry. In Nelson, he revisited classic movie filming locations, visited the jewelry store that contributed to the making of 'The Lord of the Rings', and exchanged creative ideas with local Nelson artists and designers.
▲ Writer, food expert, and founder of Yueshi China, Shu Qiao
Shu Qiao, who has long written about the relationship between people and food, experienced some of the most creative artisanal cuisine in Wellington, explored vibrant weekend markets and fresh supermarkets, and in Marlborough, savored exquisite Sauvignon Blanc and delicious seafood from the fjords. She also cooked alongside New Zealand culinary tycoon Al Brown in nature’s own kitchen, exchanging insights on the relationship between food and people.
Background information on the travel destination:
▲ Wellington waterfront_Julie Apse_Wellington
▲ The majestic beauty of the Marlborough Sounds_IvorWilkins_Marlborough
▲ Abel Tasman National Park_GarethEyres_Nelson