On October 18, the launch conference of the “Foshan Tourism Culture Industry Alliance” was held in the banquet hall of Xiqiao Mountain Guoyi Hotel. The event was hosted by Xiqiao Mountain Guoyi Film and Television City, with nearly 100 attendees including representatives from relevant provincial units, industry insiders, and media reporters. Shao Kaijian, Deputy Director of the Nanhai District Bureau of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Xian Liusheng, Deputy Town Mayor of Xiqiao Town; Li Qirui, Deputy Director of Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area; He Jiajin, Deputy Secretary-General of Foshan Tourism Association; Lin Chaohua, General Manager of Nanhai Longtaowan Paradise Co., Ltd.; Ou Xinzhen, Party Branch Secretary of Songtang Hanlin Village; Wu Zhenyu, Director of Nanhai District Museum; Luo Jiuhao, Executive Deputy General Manager of Gaoming Yingxiang Ecological Park; Li Liwen, Executive Deputy General Manager of China International Travel Service (Guangdong) International Travel Agency; Fu Changgeng, Chief Operating Officer of Nandu Daily’s Foshan Platform; Fang Ming, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom District Branch; Zhan Ym, Deputy General Manager of China Post Express Foshan Branch; Fan Xiaohu, CEO of Guangzhou Qianmei Technology Co., Ltd.; and Lu Daming, Founder of Foshan Hey Technology Co., Ltd., attended the conference. Li Liwen, Executive Deputy General Manager of China International Travel Service (Guangdong) International Travel Agency, and Lin Chaohua, General Manager of Nanhai Longtaowan Paradise Co., Ltd., delivered opening speeches.
Joining forces to fully leverage historical cultureCreativity
Foshan has long been one of the “Four Famous Towns,” but since modern times, the city’s manufacturing sector has dominated its economy, while culture took a back seat. Today, as China experiences a nationwide entrepreneurial boom, the cultural sector is gaining more prominence. Foshan’s historical capital is a dormant asset, whose hidden value can reinvigorate urban development.
How can Foshan revive its historical cultural splendor and make it a cornerstone for a second wave of entrepreneurship? To address this challenge, the conference adopted the theme “Awakening Foshan,” aiming to stimulate the spiritual and cultural consciousness of the people of Foshan, and to ignite the creativity and dynamism of both individuals and the entire city. Foshan has already taken action in recent years by transforming its old urban areas into comprehensive projects integrating commerce, entertainment, and tourism. Beyond the old city, many historical sites in Foshan remain to be developed.
As the saying goes, every little stream contributes to the mighty river, and a single spark can start a prairie fire. It is reported that the newly established alliance primarily focuses on promoting Foshan’s tourism and culture, forming a platform for cultural advocacy to enhance the influence of Foshan’s cultural tourism brand. Members of the alliance adhere to three principles: sharing resources, interconnecting products, and linking brands. The ultimate goal is to integrate the resources of Greater Foshan and create a citywide cultural tourism calling card.
Colorful Activities Kick Off Foshan’s First “Tourism Culture Year”
“Xiqiao Culture” is hailed as the “Lighthouse of Pearl River Civilization,” embodying the essence of nature and enriched by the influences of Confucianism, martial arts, and religious arts. Built against the mountain, Guoyi Film and Television City — the initiator of the alliance — will take the lead by launching the first “Foshan Tourism Culture Year.” At the conference, Mr. Huang Xiuzhi, General Manager of Guoyi Film and Television City and Guoteng, spoke on behalf of the company. He emphasized that Guoyi Film and Television City will take the “Cultural Tourism Year” as its overarching direction, integrating Foshan’s martial arts culture, Zen culture, culinary heritage, and long history into its products and creations, with the aim of awakening the inner memories and pride of the people of Foshan.
In addition, he introduced the development plan for Phase II of the “Film and Television Town” and the overall plan for the “Tourism Culture Year.” It is reported that the “Cultural Tourism Year” will feature a series of activities centered around highlights such as martial arts training, the Film and Television Little Stars Program, and the inheritance of Foshan culture, along with a customized full tracking and filming program. At the conference, Guoyi Film and Television City also launched its core product — the Tourist Passport. With this passport, visitors can enjoy free entry to the park.
The atmosphere at the conference was lively, with active participation and diverse opinions from attendees. When asked by reporters about how alliance activities would be carried out, Huang Xiuzhi responded by stating that the alliance will establish relevant charters and plans, and will hold regular forums to discuss progress. Additionally, on promotional platforms, alliance members will collaborate closely to further deepen cooperation among Foshan’s scenic spots.
The successful convening of this alliance launch conference marks the formation of strategic partnerships among Foshan’s various scenic spots, organizations, businesses, and media. Guided by the principle of “mutual benefit,” the “Tourism Culture Alliance” will inject new cultural elements into the development of Foshan’s tourism industry, allowing the Lingnan metropolis to embrace a brighter future with a completely new posture.