Tourism and culture share an inherent connection—tourism is the form and body of culture, while culture is the root and soul of tourism. Only by cultivating distinctive culture can tourism thrive with greater vitality. In recent years, the trend of integrating culture with tourism has become increasingly evident. As a novel experiential form, cultural tourism has emerged as a new highlight in the development of modern tourism, and it has also become a key focus in the development of many regions across the country. How can culture and tourism be integrated? From the perspective of tourism, whether in promotion, optimizing the tourism environment, or developing tourism projects, cultural factors must be considered. By uncovering cultural elements at scenic spots—through cultural performances, cultural products, and exhibitions—attractions can gain deeper cultural meaning, better align with the essence of cultural tourism, and achieve a more meaningful integration. This makes tourism more enriching.
When it comes to distinctive cultural tourism, Luoyang, an ancient city with timeless charm, is an unmissable destination. With a history that spans millennia, Luoyang was once described by the Northern Song Dynasty literary figure Sima Guang in *Passing Through the Ancient City of Luoyang*: “If you wish to know the rise and fall of past and present, just look at the city of Luoyang.” As one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, and one of the world’s “Four Sacred Cities,” Luoyang is where Taoism originated, Confucianism flourished, and Neo-Confucianism thrived. It is also the birthplace of three of the Four Great Inventions: the compass, papermaking, and printing. The city served as the capital longer than any other in China’s history, spanning the most dynasties and the earliest establishment. Nestled at the heart of the country, Luoyang is surrounded by mountains and rivers—backed by the Qinling Mountains, with access to the Guanzhong Plain through the Hangu Pass to the west, bordered by the Song Mountains to the east, shielded by the Taihang Mountains and the Yellow River to the north, and overlooking the Funiu Mountains with the richness of Wan and Ye to the south. It is hailed as “embraced by rivers and mountains, with a terrain unmatched under heaven,” known for its “mountains on all sides, six rivers flowing, eight passes as cities, and ten provinces connected.” Here, one can’t help but marvel at how this city’s weathered historical visage is magically rejuvenated with youthful vitality. One is even more astonished by how its profound history seamlessly intertwines with modern flair. Luoyang, as “one of the cradles of Chinese civilization,” has culture deeply woven into its very essence. In recent years, Luoyang has actively adorned tourism with culture. The “culture + tourism” approach has injected vibrant energy into this ancient city.
Culture is the soul of tourism. Cultural tourism unfolds through the collision and interaction of cultures, culminating in their mutual integration. It is precisely within these intricate threads of cultural and tourism convergence that China’s first large-scale landscape live-action epic drama, *Empress Wu Zetian*, was born. As one of the key cultural tourism projects in Luoyang’s Shengshi Tangyuan Cultural Industrial Park, the production cost 280 million RMB. Combining modern sound and light effects, electronic control models, electrical technology, and stage design, the drama is set against the historical backdrop of Luoyang. It presents, from a fresh perspective, an in-depth portrayal of the glorious and turbulent life of Wu Zetian, China’s only female emperor, from her palace entry at age 14 to her death at 82. The narrative deconstructs the carving process of the Lushena Buddha at the Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang’s most precious UNESCO World Heritage Site, illustrating how Wu Zetian, amid the “demonization” by the aristocracy, remained unwavering in her ideals for the people. She fearlessly sacrificed, embodied righteousness, metaphorically “carved flesh into Buddha,” and bravely confronted entrenched conservative forces, ultimately becoming a revered sage ruler. The drama organically blends the historical figure of Wu Zetian with the region’s unique cultural heritage, showcasing the Longmen Grottoes. By depicting the grotto-carving process, the Lushena Buddha is brought to life—“its eyes open, its smile radiant, its presence vivid.” Beyond its lifelike presentation and epic, emotionally charged plot, the script is meticulously crafted, drawing inspiration from the most brilliant elements of classical Chinese poetry and rhythm. Ancient poetic meters and tones infuse the dialogue with unparalleled linguistic beauty. Additionally, the drama incorporates quintessential “Luoyang elements” such as the Lushena Buddha, peonies, and the Luoyang dialect—many of which are presented for the first time.
For the Chinese people, the closer we get to the goal of national rejuvenation, the more we need to inspire cultural confidence—the “more fundamental, profound, and enduring force.” The emergence of the epic drama *Empress Wu Zetian* is not merely about recounting history or telling a story. Its true significance lies in highlighting socialist core values, awakening the audience’s memories and emotions, and allowing them to experience the unique cultural charm embedded within. It fosters a deep appreciation for the Chinese nation’s distinct spiritual pursuits and cultural confidence, thereby revitalizing the enduring spirit of the nation. As President Xi Jinping profoundly stated in the report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, “Without a high degree of cultural confidence, without the prosperity and flourishing of culture, there will be no great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
At present, after several months of trial performances, the live-action epic drama *Empress Wu Zetian* has garnered unanimous praise from audiences. It has become the third “golden chariot” in Luoyang’s tourism market, following the White Horse Temple and the Longmen Grottoes, and a new cultural calling card embodying the city’s profound humanistic and historical richness. This demonstrates that by adhering to the “culture + tourism” strategy—through deep integration and cohesive development of culture and tourism, and growing together with the nation in “cultural advancement”—the cultural brilliance emanating from the socialist modernization of the Heluo region will shine even more brilliantly.