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Super Golden Week: Celebrating China's culture and economic resilience
Ruqiya Anwar
Tourists watch a performance at Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village in Leishan County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, September 29, 2023. /Xinhua
Tourists watch a performance at Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village in Leishan County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, September 29, 2023. /Xinhua

Tourists watch a performance at Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village in Leishan County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, September 29, 2023. /Xinhua

Editor's note: Ruqiya Anwar, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a PhD scholar of Media and Communication Studies in Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

As China welcomes the much-anticipated "Super Golden Week," a unique mix of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the country is bracing for more than just a record-breaking surge in tourism and economic development. This spectacular holiday season is a profound reflection of the Chinese way of life, a tribute to the country's dedication to peaceful growth, and a source of optimism and prosperity for both its citizens as well as neighboring nations.

As millions of tourists depart on their journeys, a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation pervades China. Beyond the amazing economic statistics, the "Super Golden Week" encompasses the essence of Chinese values and culture. This holiday has various distinctive features that highlight its significance. It has become an occasion for Chinese citizens to rediscover their own country, promoting a deeper respect for the country's cultural and geographical diversity.

Chinese tourists are traveling outside of China to destinations including Southeast Asia, Europe and Central Asia. This international outreach illustrates China's growth in outbound travel, reflecting not only China's economic expertise, but also its people's curiosity and global viewpoint. Chinese tourists are cultural ambassadors, promoting cross-cultural exchanges and contributing to the global tourism economy.

Extended vacations allow for greater cultural immersion and a closer relationship with the local community. A week-long journey allows guests to not only see iconic monuments but also participate in off-the-beaten-path excursions, uncover hidden gems, and sample local food. Longer stays encourage a more sustainable kind of tourism, since travellers spend more in knowing and respecting the areas they visit.

Aside from usual tourist activities, the "Super Golden Week" offers a diverse range of cultural and recreational events, ranging from festivals to camping excursions. Rural tourism projects such as the "Village Super League" and "Village Basketball Association" are also gaining traction, offering a complete vacation experience.

The combined influence of culture, sports, and tourism enhances the holiday experience and appeals to a wide variety of interests. Concerts and music festivals draw music fans by providing an opportunity to see live performances by well-known performers. Camping trips allow nature lovers to reconnect with the great outdoors and enjoy China's stunning landscapes.

Rural tourism initiatives are an admirable attempt to promote sustainable tourism and help rural communities. The "Village Super League" and "Village Basketball Association" allow guests to participate in sports and recreational activities while also witnessing the true rural way of life. These projects not only help rural communities' economic development, but they also provide visitors with an opportunity to get away from the city and reconnect with nature.

People visit the Zhanqiao bridge scenic spot in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, September 29, 2023. /Xinhua
People visit the Zhanqiao bridge scenic spot in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, September 29, 2023. /Xinhua

People visit the Zhanqiao bridge scenic spot in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, September 29, 2023. /Xinhua

The reach of the "Super Golden Week" is set to exceed records, attracting billions of people, a phenomenon unique to China's Golden Week festivities. While tourism accounts for a relatively modest share of China's consumption, it acts as a symbol of improved quality of life, expressing society's yearning for a better living and contributing significantly to the nation's economic resilience.

In the midst of this great celebration, the "Super Golden Week" conveys a message of optimism towards the Chinese economy, which has worldwide significance. Throughout the year, Western opponents have expressed concern about China's economic prospects. The vibrant images of the "Super Golden Week" will challenge many of these pessimistic views by demonstrating China's economic strength and the power of its consumer market. However, it is important to note that China's economic strength is not simply dependent on the holiday season.

Beyond economics, the "Super Golden Week" symbolizes the fundamental spirit of Chinese culture and philosophy. It reflects the Chinese people's yearning for a better living as well as their dedication to fostering goodwill and non-interference in the affairs of others. This basic component of Chinese society provides steadfast support for the country's peaceful growth path. China's activities are anchored in the search of a better living for its people and the creation of chances for global growth.

China's massive market continues to have a big impact on the foreign economic climate. Many surrounding nations are looking forward to the "Super Golden Week" to strengthen their local tourism sectors, demonstrating how China provides opportunities for development to its neighbors. This demonstrates China's commitment to creating development and cooperation with other countries.

The Super Golden Week is a celebration of China's rich culture, a reflection of the country's dedication to peaceful development, and a source of hope for the Chinese people and the rest of the world. As the country gathers to celebrate the wonderful holiday season, it is a reminder that China's strength resides not just in its economic power, but also in its enduring values and commitment to building greater prospects for all.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)

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