During the National Day holiday, the country came alive with various cultural activities, creating a vibrant display of both traditional customs and modern expressions. As celebrations reverberated across the nation, a renewed cultural atmosphere emerged, reflecting the spirit of the people. President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of fostering healthful and intellectually stimulating cultural activities to inspire positive energy among citizens.
The festivities drew crowds to lively streets filled with cultural displays, injecting confidence and a sense of pride within the community as people celebrated their nation. Locations like Yan’an, known as the birthplace of New China, attracted those eager to connect with the nation’s revolutionary past. The flowing Yan River and the towering Baota Mountain have both borne witness to the rallying cry, “Let’s go to Yan’an,” a testament to the longing for those revolutionary days.
Sharing his thoughts during a visit, Zhang Wenxiang from Hubei remarked, “Every artifact and photograph speaks volumes about the hardships behind our red heritage. I’ve been here many times, and each visit carries special significance.” He added, “The Yan’an revolutionary sites are like an endless book that I can never fully read.”
As visitors reflect on their past and consider their future, the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall prominently features the motto, “A foothold, a starting point,” a reminder of the enduring spirit that links past victories to future aspirations. From the lush landscapes of Baota Mountain to the vibrant scenery around Taihang Mountain, each revolutionary site encapsulates a piece of history and a legacy of resilience.
At a historic site in Shanghai, 22-year-old Chen Mingdong traveled from Xiamen in Fujian, moved by the revolutionary spirit of over a century ago. After touring the site, he explored the former editorial office of “New Youth,” expressing how each step felt like walking through an open-air museum that continually reminded him of the challenges overcome by previous generations.
In Guizhou, sixth grader Yuan Shihan reflected on the Red Army’s struggles, stating, “It’s hard to imagine how challenging it was for them to cross the Chishui River four times! Without the past’s difficulties, we wouldn’t enjoy today’s sweetness. We must carry forward the historical baton to contribute to our nation’s growth.”
These sentiments highlight the timeless nature of red culture and the enduring revolutionary spirit passed down through generations. Families across the nation enjoyed a range of cultural offerings, with the China Grand Canal Museum in Yangzhou enticing visitors with ancient artifacts and engaging performances that provided an immersive cultural experience.
On a bustling day, Ms. Su from Nanjing shared, “It feels like stepping into an immersive encyclopedia of Grand Canal culture.” Meanwhile, in Dunhuang, advanced digital technologies brought the vibrant murals of the Mogao Caves to life, captivating tourists with centuries-old legends. Zhang Wenhui, who participated in a digital exhibition, remarked, “Digital technology significantly enhances our cultural experiences.”
As evening falls in Kaifeng, the “Starry Sky Bianliang” community night school bursts into life, with residents fully engaged in song and dance. Cultural center director Li Jiyue noted that these vibrant classes invite people to explore new perspectives through not only music but also traditional art forms.
Across the country, a public cultural service network has expanded, featuring over 6,800 registered museums, more than 3,300 public libraries, and upwards of 12,000 cinema screens in rural areas—91% of which offer free admission, enriching the cultural lives of citizens. This blend of culture and tourism has proved to be a powerful driver of regional spending. For instance, at Hubei’s Dangyang Huaxi Wetland, picturesque campsites and cultural markets breathed life into the holiday spirit. Local resident Li Rui expressed, “Camping with my family here lets us unwind. This year, the addition of Sanchu Book House adds poetic vibes.”
As demand for cultural and travel experiences continues to grow, people are eager to explore tourism hotspots. On October 1 alone, over 330 million people traveled across regions, underscoring the booming cultural tourism market. The emphasis is on transforming natural beauty into lasting tourism appeal, highlighting the need to merge culture with travel to amplify the strengths of tourism experiences.
In Chongqing’s Beicang Cultural Innovation District, the influx of visitors showcased the allure of blending old-world charm with engaging cultural activities. Visitor Feng Lu, while enjoying pottery-making, remarked, “I love the unique Old Chongqing vibe here, and the creative activities really draw in young people.”
This thriving fusion of culture and tourism continues to invigorate economic vitality, creating new venues and experiences that cater to diverse preferences. Whether through lively village events celebrating local heritage or creative urban street markets, the positive impact of these cultural engagements is evident.
As the nation journeys forward in its cultural evolution, it becomes clear that the strength of a country and its people lies in their rich cultural heritage. Today’s China flourishes with a resilient cultural legacy, a booming cultural industry, and an invigorated public life, collectively fortifying a powerful spirit for national growth and rejuvenation.
