Fenghua's vegetarian cultural crafts attract international visitors, unlocking new China Travel experiences

　　By Zhang Bin, CNS

　　"It's my first time trying such a handmade cultural craft. I just get the idea that peaches symbolize longevity in Chinese culture – it's so unique. I'd love my parents to experience this too," said Nada Anzaoui from Morocco on the November 9th after participating in the intangible cultural heritage activity "Auspicious Longevity Peaches"(欢喜寿桃) in Fenghua, Ningbo, Zhejiang。

　　That day, Nada and fellow international students visited vegetarian restaurant Yishoufang(益寿坊) at the foot of Xuedou Mountain(雪窦山)， immersing themselves in Fenghua's innovative "culture + experience" vegetarian tourism offering. After enjoying local delicacies like nourishing Six Mushrooms Soup(养生六菌汤)， Nada opened an "Auspicious Longevity Peaches" DIY kit. Through kneading, shaping, and other steps, she crafted a handmade peach resembling the famous Fenghua honey peach。

　　"Not only did I make the longevity peach with my own hands, but I also learned the meaning behind 'blessings and longevity' – that's the most special part of this journey," Nada remarked, adding that the hands-on experience helped her better understand Chinese people's aspirations for a better life。

　　"Since Fenghua honey peaches are widely loved, we've integrated this cultural IP into creative vegetarian products through intangible cultural heritage projects," explained Xia Chuntao, deputy general manager of Ningbo Xuedou Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd(雪窦文旅发展有限公司). The creative product offers tourists a new cultural tourism model that's "visual, interactive, edible and portable." Meanwhile, through culturally resonant experiences like the "Family Kindness Banquet(慈孝宴)", the local community is helping both domestic and international visitors to Xuedou Mountain connect with Chinese family values, channeling warmth and positive energy into society。

Spring scenery of Xuedou Mountain. (Photo contributed by Fenghua Press Office)

　　As Ningbo's only provincial-level pilot zone for innovative inbound tourism development, Fenghua has consistently leveraged signature events like the Xuedou Mountain New Year's Eve celebration and the seasonal "A Thousand Travelers' Autumn-Winter Journey to Xuedou" tour in the Yangtze River Delta (长三角千人秋冬游人间雪窦) to promote the "Go Global and Welcome In"(走出去、请进来) initiative. Depending on diverse events, growing numbers of foreign tourists are discovering Fenghua and Xuedou Mountain。

　　"We want to make Fenghua's cultural landmarks tangible, offering visitors a full sensory experience," said Wang Xiaqun, member of Fenghua Intellectuals Association(知联会)and general manager of Ningbo Fenghua Bangji Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd(棒集文化旅游发展有限公司). In recent years, Fenghua has witnessed a growing number of international tourists, particularly from Japan and South Korea, who are drawn to Xuedou Mountain due to cultural affinities. Local authority aims to leverage more novel scenarios and immersive experiences to leave a lasting impression on visitors from all over the world.