On the afternoon of January 6, the Changde High-Speed Railway Station was filled with a vibrant atmosphere of cross-cultural exchange. The 42-member Hunan Inspection Team for IEMBA Program of International Business School, University of International Business and Economics arrived in Changde on the same day. The Changde Culture and Tourism Group had meticulously prepared a welcoming ceremony featuring "Peach Blossom Spring-style hospitality." The event enabled the visitors from afar to immerse themselves in Changde's cultural charm and urban warmth the moment they stepped off the high-speed train.

A group photo.

The cultural performance.
In the reception area of the high-speed railway station, a performance of Changde Silk String—a national intangible cultural heritage—was staged as a prelude to the welcoming ceremony. Holding wooden clappers and accompanied by yangqin, the artists performed classic pieces with melodious vocals. The unique rhythms and lively performance attracted foreign guests to stop and take photos, with applause filling the air. During interludes, steaming bowls of Changde Lei Cha or ground tea, were served to guests. This signature tea, pounded from local ingredients like tea leaves, brown rice, and soybeans, not only warmed the body and soul but also embodied Changde's tradition of hospitality—"offering tea as a gesture of sincerity."

Staff members also presented each foreign guest with a custom-made warm scarf. The red scarves featured embroidered Chinese characters of "桃花源里" (meaning Peach Blossom Spring), conveying winter warmth while showcasing Changde's unique cultural elements. "This is the first time I've tasted such exquisite tea, and the performances were absolutely wonderful. Changde made me feel so welcome from the moment I arrived!" remarked a guest from Tajikistan.

The welcoming ceremony exemplified Changde Culture and Tourism Group's commitment to practicing the "Peach Blossom Spring-style hospitality," seamlessly integrating intangible cultural heritage performances, distinctive local cuisine, and attentive service. A spokesperson of the group stated that these locally-characteristic elements aimed to captivate foreign guests upon their arrival. Meanwhile, the group will leverage culture as a bridge to convey Changde's open and inclusive image in cultural tourism to the world, laying a solid emotional foundation for future economic, trade, and cultural exchanges. The delegation will engage in a series of business exchange activities in Changde, experience the Peach Blossom Spring cultural journey, and gain a deep appreciation for the city's developmental vitality and cultural heritage.
This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.excelee.com.
Translator: Yu Jiangjiang
Chinese source: hunantoday


