Guilin finds fresh ways to surprise

The flowing hair of women of the Red Yao ethnic group, the terraced slopes of Longji town, the limestone peaks lining the Lijiang River — these are the images that have long drawn travelers to Guilin, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

"The natural scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces is fascinating," says Mani Lamichhane, a senior director at the Nepal Tourism Board, who recently visited the city to see these celebrated sights. But he came away with more than memories of landscapes. He also praised the performances at the town's Huangluo Red Yao village and local residents' efforts to protect the environment while developing tourism.

"I will definitely come back to Guilin," he says, adding that he believes travelers from around the world would enjoy the destination.

Lamichhane was among more than 300 tourism professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond who gathered in Guilin in late October for the 20th UN Tourism/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook. First hosted by the city in 2007, the forum explored emerging tourism trends and how artificial intelligence and digital technology are reshaping travel.

Guilin has long attracted visitors with its karst landscape and terraced fields. Local tourism businesses now offer cultural activities on river cruises, in scenic areas and at hotels.

On selected Lijiang River cruises, visitors can enjoy a Song Dynasty (960-1279) tea-making experience as the karst peaks drift past.

On sightseeing boats in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area, performers present cai diao, a traditional folk opera that blends local songs, dance and comic acting. Drawing on everyday life, romance and local customs, the performances invite visitors to listen, join call-and-response activities and even try on costumes.

Tang Hongling, general manager of the sales channel department at Guilin Tourism Corp, says the company has noticed a shift in the expectations of inbound visitors.

"Visitors' needs are shifting from group sightseeing toward immersive experiences and deeper exploration," Tang says.

Technology is also adding new dimensions to established attractions. At Yinzi Cave, also known as Silver Cave, 3D mapping projects images onto rock formations, including scenes inspired by A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains, a celebrated landscape painting by Song Dynasty artist Wang Ximeng. Colored lighting highlights the shapes and textures of the stalactites, while augmented-reality features offer visitors an interactive experience.

At Zhujiang wharf on the Lijiang River, bilingual Chinese and English signs help visitors navigate the terminal, while Korean and Vietnamese guidance is available in key areas. The visitor center also provides multilingual translation devices and a dedicated service counter for inbound travelers.

Hotels, too, are broadening their cultural offerings. At Shangri-La Guilin, general manager Chen Bihong says the hotel has introduced morning tai chi sessions and welcome performances featuring bamboo dance, a traditional dance practiced by ethnic groups in parts of southern China. It also hosts international meetings and provides accommodation and conference services for delegates.

Chen says the hotel plans to expand cooperation with international businesses and organizations while developing more products that bring culture and tourism together.