Xi Jinping Inspects Changde River Street: Local Traditional Culture Boosts Development
Changde River Street: Inheriting Intangible Cultural Heritage and Integrating Culture and Tourism to Revitalize the New Charm of the Old Street's History and Culture Restoring the historical appearance and introducing digital technology have driven both tourist numbers and revenue growth
On March 19, 2024, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Changde Hejie in Changde, Hunan, to inspect the area, with a focus on local efforts to protect historical and cultural heritage, preserve and pass on intangible cultural heritage, and integrate culture and tourism.
Changde Hejie was built based on the old riverside streets and lanes of Changde, and brings together local specialties, food snacks, and distinctive handicrafts. It also showcases local cultural programs such as Changde silk string music, highpitched opera, and labor chants. While watching demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage skills at Yuanyang Zoumalou, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that distinctive local traditional cultures together constitute an important part of Chinese civilization and can also drive economic and social development.
The article also mentions that in recent years, Changde Hejie has continued to upgrade its business offerings. By restoring its historical appearance and introducing intangible cultural heritage projects and digital technologies, it has attracted more tourists. In 2025, both visitor numbers and revenue in the district saw significant growth, making it an example of how traditional culture empowers urban development.