In an exclusive interview, we explored the ongoing cultural tourism enhancement project in Gutian County, located in Fujian Province’s Ningde City. As we meandered through the site, we encountered various points of interest, including the Linshui Palace Visitor Center, Shuzhuang Bridge, and the Chen Jinggu Cultural Exhibition Hall. The harmonious blend of landscape construction and folk culture exudes a rustic elegance, making it truly unique.
The total investment for the Fujian Gutian Linshui Cultural Tourism Enhancement Project stands at 450 million yuan, covering approximately 4.5 square kilometers. This ambitious initiative includes several components: the enhancement of the scenery around Linshui Palace, improvements along both banks of Hengyang Creek, the establishment of the World Chen Jinggu Cultural Exchange Park, and a visitor service center, among other sub-projects.
On the morning of October 27, during a work inspection tour led by the Ningde Municipal Party Committee and Government, officials observed the progress of the Fujian Gutian Linshui Cultural Tourism Enhancement Project. According to reports, the key nodes of the project have begun completion, while the remaining sub-projects are being expedited. The goal is to create a comprehensive pilgrimage site that integrates the cultural exchanges of Chen Jinggu beliefs, cross-strait cultural interactions, and aims for a national five-star tourist attraction.
Lin Xiongdi, a standing committee member of the Gutian County Party Committee and the head of its United Front Work Department, shared insights about the project. He indicated that the initiative is rooted in the cultural heritage of Chen Jinggu, focusing on enhancing infrastructure and diversifying tourism experiences in the Linshui region. This endeavor aims to fuse Linshui’s culture with tourism, boosting local vibrancy.
During the same visit, officials also checked out the Hongguobao Biological Technology Company, which produces 3,600 tons annually of red fruit essence, along with other energy initiatives within the county.
The figure of Chen Jinggu, known as the “protector of women and children,” is a significant cultural icon in Fujian and boasts a substantial following: over 5,000 temples dedicated to her exist worldwide, drawing more than 120 million devotees. Taiwan alone is home to over 500 main temples and more than 3,000 subsidiary ones, with millions of worshippers.
With a tradition spanning over a thousand years, the Chen Jinggu cultural belief system, centered around the Linshui Palace, poses a vital aspect of cross-strait culture and embodies a significant global Chinese cultural phenomenon.
In efforts to deepen cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, Gutian County has outlined plans to establish a “Cultural Center” alongside two bases dedicated to Chen Jinggu’s beliefs. This center seeks to become a major hub for cultural exchange and tourism within Fujian.
Promoting a prosperous cultural and tourism industry in Gutian reflects the county’s dedication to leveraging its unique attributes. With its stunning landscapes, such as China’s largest freshwater lake, Cuiping Lake, and vibrant historical context enriched by notable figures like Zhu Xi and Round Shadow Master, Gutian integrates cultural heritage with tourism development.
Zhang Muwen, a project leader from the Gutian County Tourism Development Company, emphasized a new direction for growth, focusing on a “industry + tourism” model. By utilizing Cuiping Lake’s ecological advantages and cultural significance, the county aims to establish a tourism economy encompassing its scenic attractions.
With abundant natural resources and deep agricultural roots, Gutian is thriving. The county has capitalized on its agricultural advantages while enhancing its brand “You Mei You Tian, Come to Gutian.” There’s a concerted effort to highlight the beauty and uniqueness of Gutian’s offerings.
In October, villagers in Liyang drew attention to their orange-hued “cannonball” persimmons, a clear indication of autumn’s bounty. The village has successfully developed its persimmon-related agricultural tourism, implementing innovative development models that synchronize with the Cuiping Lake tourism demonstration area. Such efforts have garnered recognition, making the village a model for poverty alleviation and rural revitalization.
In 2023, as the “You Mei You Tian, Come to Gutian” brand gained momentum, the county hosted various thematic festivals, including the Cuiping Lake Grassland Camping Festival and the Silver Ear Live Streaming Festival. New tourism sites, like the “Dried Fish Camp,” have also emerged as popular destinations, while Gutian made its debut on the Nasdaq screen in New York City.
Local officials have committed to continually advancing high-quality development within the cultural tourism sector, striving to enhance the cultural lives of citizens and create a more enriching experience steeped in the rich tapestry of Gutian’s heritage.
