Published on
August 19, 2025
China is showcasing a perfect blend of tradition and modern innovation with the 15th Lotus Culture Festival in Guigang, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, eco-tourism assets, and forward-looking technological initiatives. The festival features theatrical performances, poetry competitions, and interactive events that attract millions of visitors, reinforce the city’s status as a cultural and eco-tourism hub, and demonstrate how heritage and innovation can thrive together.
The 15th edition of the Lotus Culture Series has kicked off in Guigang, Guangxi, marking the city’s strengthened dedication to blending its deep-rooted cultural traditions with modern-day experiences. This annual festival, now in its fifteenth edition, has become a signature event for Guigang, reflecting the city’s strategy of leveraging its historical and ecological assets to boost tourism and local engagement. The event features an extensive program that includes theatrical performances, poetry contests, traditional music showcases, and interactive cultural exhibitions, all curated to highlight Guigang’s unique identity as a city where tradition meets modernity.
Over the years, Guigang has been steadily building a reputation as an eco-tourism destination within both the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and the ASEAN region. Recognized as a national forest tourism demonstration city, it has invested heavily in preserving its natural landscapes while simultaneously promoting accessibility and cultural experiences for tourists. With 52 national A-level scenic attractions, Guigang offers a diverse range of experiences, from lush forest parks and serene rivers to historic landmarks and cultural sites. These resources form the backbone of the city’s tourism strategy, attracting millions of visitors annually and fostering sustainable development.
During just the first six months of this year, Guigang attracted more than 32 million tourists, bringing in tourism earnings of over 30 billion yuan. This remarkable performance underscores the city’s growing importance as a regional tourism hub and demonstrates the effectiveness of its integrated approach to culture and nature. The influx of tourists has been further amplified by signature events such as the Guangxi division of the ‘Village Basketball Association’ and the ‘Douyin Football Carnival.’ These events have not only drawn sports enthusiasts from across the country but have also highlighted Guigang’s capacity to host large-scale gatherings that combine entertainment, community engagement, and tourism promotion.
The city’s approach to tourism is multifaceted. Beyond attracting large crowds, Guigang emphasizes experiential and eco-conscious travel, encouraging visitors to engage deeply with its natural and cultural environment. Its forest parks, riverside trails, and eco-resorts are designed to provide immersive experiences that balance leisure with environmental stewardship. This strategy aligns with global trends in sustainable tourism, where travelers seek destinations that offer both authenticity and environmental responsibility. By positioning itself at the intersection of cultural richness and ecological awareness, Guigang has carved out a niche that differentiates it from other cities in the region.
A significant aspect of Guigang’s long-term strategy is the integration of technology into the tourism experience. Plans are underway to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into visitor engagement, from smart navigation tools and interactive cultural guides to AI-driven event management systems. These innovations are intended to enhance convenience, provide personalized experiences, and elevate overall satisfaction for tourists. The use of AI also signals Guigang’s forward-thinking approach to tourism, where tradition and modern technology coexist seamlessly, allowing the city to remain relevant in an increasingly digital and competitive global tourism landscape.
Cultural tourism remains a central pillar of Guigang’s development strategy. Festivals like the Lotus Culture Series are not only celebrations of heritage but also platforms for fostering creativity, artistic expression, and community participation. The city’s investment in cultural infrastructure—such as performance halls, exhibition spaces, and public art installations—ensures that both residents and visitors can enjoy high-quality cultural experiences year-round. By continuously innovating its cultural offerings, Guigang reinforces its position as a city where history, art, and community converge, creating a strong sense of place and identity.
The synergy between culture, sports, and eco-tourism is another defining feature of Guigang’s strategy. Major events such as the Village Basketball Association and the Douyin Football Carnival combine sports, entertainment, and community engagement, attracting a wide range of visitors while boosting local commerce. These initiatives also help to stimulate regional economic growth, as tourism-related spending supports hospitality, retail, transportation, and service sectors. In this way, Guigang’s approach is holistic, leveraging multiple dimensions of tourism to achieve sustained economic and social benefits.
Looking ahead, the city is poised to deepen its investment in initiatives that combine cultural heritage, technological innovation, and environmental stewardship. By continuously enhancing its infrastructure, promoting large-scale events, and adopting emerging technologies, Guigang aims to maintain its position as a leading cultural and eco-tourism destination in southern China. The city’s forward-looking policies, including AI integration and sustainable tourism practices, demonstrate a commitment to creating a model where modernity enhances rather than replaces tradition, ensuring that both visitors and local communities reap the benefits of a thriving tourism ecosystem.
China is celebrating the 15th Lotus Culture Festival in Guigang, where tradition meets innovation through cultural performances, eco-tourism, and modern technology. The festival draws millions, highlighting Guigang as a leading hub for cultural and sustainable tourism.
In summary, the 15th Lotus Culture Series in Guigang is more than just a festival—it is a manifestation of the city’s vision to blend tradition with innovation. By capitalizing on its natural landscapes, cultural assets, and emerging technologies, Guigang is establishing itself as a benchmark for eco-cultural tourism in China and beyond. Its achievements in attracting millions of visitors, generating substantial tourism revenue, and hosting major cultural and sports events illustrate a successful strategy that others can emulate. As Guigang continues to innovate and expand, it promises to offer tourists an experience that is simultaneously enriching, entertaining, and environmentally conscious—a true reflection of a city where heritage and modernity flourish together.
