Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent inspection tour in Guizhou Province has sparked discussions on revitalizing ethnic cultures through innovative strategies. During his March 17–18 visit to the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Xi underscored the need to harmonize heritage preservation with modernization in regions rich in ethnic traditions.
Guizhou, home to diverse ethnic groups like the Dong and Miao, faces challenges in sustaining intangible cultural legacies such as drum tower architecture, embroidery, and silver craftsmanship. These traditions, described as "dynamic embodiments of identity," are threatened by urbanization and commercialization. Younger generations migrating to cities risk disrupting the transmission of skills, while superficial tourism practices risk diluting cultural authenticity.
Local authorities are tackling these issues through initiatives like Zhenyuan County’s intangible cultural heritage experience zones. Visitors engage in hands-on activities such as tie-dyeing and silverwork, shifting from passive observation to active participation. This approach aims to integrate cultural practices into daily life, ensuring their relevance.
Technology also plays a transformative role. Virtual reality and digital tools are being deployed to modernize traditional crafts, creating interactive platforms for younger audiences. Such innovations position cultural heritage as a driver of China’s soft power, blending historical narratives with 21st-century appeal.
Balancing development and preservation remains critical for Guizhou’s economic growth. By leveraging tourism and technology, the region seeks to empower local communities while fostering global cultural appreciation—a vision aligning with Xi’s emphasis on heritage as a "vital link" to collective memory and progress.
