Xi's Guizhou visit emphasizes reviving ethnic cultural significance

Editor's note: Xin Ge, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a research fellow at the Institute of Public Policy and Governance, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE), and a chair associate professor at the School of Public Economics and Administration, SUFE. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

From March 17 to 18, Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection tour in Guizhou Province, Southwest China, that ignited a widespread reflection about balancing cultural preservation with modern innovation.

This southwestern region, home to large ethnic minority populations, stands at a crossroads of balancing centuries-old tradition and modernization, as globalization and rapid development accelerate. As Xi emphasized during his visit to a village of the Dong ethnic group in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, the solution lies in fostering a harmony between heritage and progress. The pressing question, then, is how to protect and revitalize intangible cultural legacies while unlocking their potential as a driver of innovation and development.

​Guizhou's ethnic cultures are not relics confined to history; they are dynamic and evolving embodiments of identity. The Dong ethnic group's majestic drum towers, intricate embroidery and silver jewelry made by artisans from the Miao ethnic group are not just cultural symbols – they serve as vital links connecting generations, preserving collective memory, and reinforcing cultural values.

However, these traditions are under increasing pressure. The outflow of young people due to rapid urbanization threatens generational continuities, while growing commercialization risks turning these cultural treasures into mere commodities, stripping them of their original essence and significance.

To address these challenges, Guizhou has launched a multi-pronged conservation strategy. For example, the intangible cultural heritage experience zone has been established in Zhenyuan county, allowing tourists to participate in traditional crafts such as tie-dyeing and silverwork. By shifting from passive observation to hands-on participation, these initiatives underscore a critical principle: Culture remains vibrant when it is actively woven into the fabric of everyday life.

In an era shaped by digital transformation, technology presents both a safeguard and a catalyst for cultural preservation in Guizhou. Cutting-edge tools such as virtual reality are being employed to revitalize ancient craftsmanship, enabling younger generations to engage with traditional practices through interactive and immersive experiences. Digital technologies reframe heritage as a dynamic force, integrating it into modern narratives and enhancing China's soft power.

Guizhou blends cultural innovation with economic advancement, exemplified by Zhenyuan ancient town's spring parade, which breathes new life into local folklore while boosting local businesses. This initiative not only safeguards traditional narratives but also fosters economic empowerment through the "Drum Tower council + tourism cooperatives" model, ensuring that development benefits are widely shared. By generating employment and reinforcing cultural pride, such initiatives highlight how heritage tourism can be a force for both social inclusion and sustainable economic growth.

Moreover, Xi's emphasis on strengthening rural Party organizations in Guizhou highlights the importance of governance in cultural preservation. At the same time, education is being restructured to prioritize ​intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge. Schools incorporate ethnic languages and craftsmanship into curricula, while universities like Guizhou Normal University partner with local communities to document and archive endangered traditions. These efforts ensure that cultural heritage becomes a living part of youth identity rather than a relic of the past.

​Guizhou's innovative approach to harmonizing cultural preservation with contemporary advancements offers a valuable blueprint for other regions grappling with similar dilemmas. By embracing "creative transformation," the province not only safeguards its unique heritage but also aligns with UNESCO's broader mission of promoting cultural diversity. The export of Miao silverware to European and Southeast Asian markets and the international recognition of Dong choral performances, demonstrate how cultural assets can serve as both a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue and a catalyst for economic growth.

At a time when cultural homogenization threatens local identities, Guizhou's approach reaffirms that tradition and innovation can coexist in a mutually enriching dynamic. As Xi aptly put it, efforts should be made to sort out traditional cultural resources and bring back to life relics sleeping in closed palaces, the heritage of China's vast lands and records in ancient books. By revitalizing these cultural treasures and fostering a sense of pride and continuity, China's ethnic traditions can remain a source of inspiration, education and resilience in the modern era.

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