How Digital Innovation and Cultural Experiences are Transforming Tourism in Gansu

The Hexi Corridor, a region steeped in history, showcases the majestic Jiayu Pass, the westernmost starting point of the Great Wall. This Ming Dynasty fortress, known as the "First and Greatest Pass under Heaven," offers a window into China's rich cultural heritage. To enhance the visitor experience, a night tour program has been introduced, leveraging digital technology to illuminate the stories of the ancient Silk Road. This innovative approach creates a dual cultural presentation, allowing visitors to explore the pass by day and experience its history brought to life through light and sound at night. This has led to a significant increase in tourism, transforming Jiayuguan from a transit point into a destination, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with the region's history.

Further along the Silk Road, Dunhuang stands as a testament to East-West cultural exchange. The city's Mogao Grottoes, a treasure trove of art and history, have inspired a new immersive drama. This production allows visitors to experience the art of Dunhuang through dance, music, poetry, and painting, bringing the vibrant scenes depicted in ancient murals to life. The drama's success has made visiting the Mogao Caves by day and attending the theater at night a highly sought-after tourism option.

Beyond the traditional attractions, a burgeoning "goods economy" is also contributing to the cultural tourism boom. Merchandise, such as badges and collectible cards, featuring Dunhuang artistic elements, has gained immense popularity, particularly among young people. These items, often designed with unique aesthetics and portability in mind, serve as tangible reminders of the cultural experience. The rise of this "goods economy" reflects the power of culture to drive economic growth, injecting new momentum and vitality into the domestic consumption market and further enriching the overall tourism landscape.