What does Guizhou remind you of? Is it the rolling hills, Yangming’s historically renowned enlightenment or the unique minority cultures? What kind of sparks will be set off when ancient Guizhou meets the distinctively unique contemporary art?
Poster of the “Artistic Guizhou” project
The “Artistically Inspired Colourful Guizhou for an All-for-One Tourist Destination” project, planned and executed by the Publicity Department of CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, was formally launched on 1 January 2022. Follow the artists now and explore the unknown touristic treasures of Guizhou.
Highlight 1: Fruitful results achieved when contemporary artists meet traditional cultures
The event will organise five groups made up of renowned artists, culturati and key opinion leaders, which will travel to one of the five cities or the autonomous prefecture in Guizhou, namely Guiyang, Zunyi, Liupanshui, Tongren and Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture，repectively, for an in-depth touristic experience that lasts between three to five days.
The cities and the autonomous prefecture are seen through the professional perspective of the contemporary artists, who will explore in depth the regional and ethnic cultures. Drawing inspiration from the natural scenery, cultural vibes and historic heritage, they will combine art and tourism resources to create art works that will add to the artistic vibes of Guizhou’s cultural tourism.
Artist Xia Hang films the spectacular Danxia landform at Chishui Waterfall
Highlight 2: Uncover Guizhou’s unique ethnic cultures and protect inheritors of intangible cultural heritage
The project planned in-depth visits to five cities and the autonomous prefecture in Guizhou during the second half of 2021. Guizhou’s most representative ethnic-cultural heritages were uncovered and many inheritors of intangible cultural heritage visited. The project comprehensively put together accurate, authoritative, fun and engaging elements of Guizhou’s ethnic cultures, including those of the Miao, the Dong and the Bouyei people, to present viewers at home and abroad with an artistic feast of great cultural significance.
Artist Zheng Lu ponders under an ancient tree at the former residence of Wang Yangming
Highlight 3: Appreciate the beautiful scenery of colourful Guizhou through in-depth tourism
While searching for artistic inspirations, viewers will follow the artists and travel to Guiyang, Zunyi, Liupanshui and Tongren Cities and Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, where local attractions will be visited, delicacies sampled and ethnic cultures appreciated. Unlike any previous travel shows, the project sets off from the artists’ perspectives and focuses on uncovering artistic sites, so Guizhou’s beauty may be truly appreciated. Viewers will see Guizhou from a fresh perspective and be inspired to visit.
Artist You Jin talks with the Dong girls and listens to their traditional singing under the Drum Tower of Dong Village in Zhaoxing Town
Highlight 4: Diverse programme formats released on multiple platforms for full online interactions
The planning team has specially engaged professional filming crews and senior directors for the event to create artistic videos with film-like quality. The entire travel experience will be filmed and shown online as medium-length videos (between five to ten minutes). To appeal to the many mobile-network users, the videos will be edited specially for short-video platforms to suit viewing on mobile phones. Furthermore, intensive communication will take place through videos and texts and images on platforms such as Weibo, Douyin and Toutiao. Interactive sessions with prize-wining activities will be held regularly to fully engage netizens and boost online discussions and popularity.
Artist Xia Hang (second left) learns the antiphonal songs of the Bouyei people from Liupanshui
To date, travel groups made up of three artists, namely Zheng Lu, You Jin and Xia Hang, have set out for Guizhou to kick off the first phase of “Artistic Guizhou”. In Guiyang, Zheng Lu has learnt extensively about carving from a Miao silversmith. In Zunyi, Xia Hang has been received with great hospitality in an ancient town. Under the Drum Tower in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, You Jin sings the folk songs with the Dong girls.
Artist You Jin learns about the craft of bird cages handmade by the Miao people in Danzhai Wanda Village
Next, more artists will join the cultural visits. In 2022, the cultural-tourism trend emerging from Guizhou will take viewers on an amazing artistic journey as different aesthetics meet and send sparks flying.
