In an exciting event aimed at promoting cultural tourism, the city of Golmud in Qinghai Province recently held the “Dreaming of Luoyang: Exploring Kunlun” promotional conference in Luoyang, Henan Province. We caught up with local officials to learn more about this initiative that invites the citizens of Luoyang to discover the rich cultural heritage of Kunlun.
Golmud, which translates from Mongolian to “a place rich in rivers,” is nestled at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains and situated on the southern edge of the Qaidam Basin. The city has developed into a critical transportation hub due to the construction of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, serving as a strategic point for regions including Tibet, Sichuan, Gansu, and Xinjiang. It is also recognized as a key gateway along the Silk Road Economic Belt. Notably, the area is endowed with vast resources, boasting over 60 billion tons of identified reserves, including the largest potassium and magnesium deposits in China, found in the renowned Chaka Salt Lake.
The objective of this promotional event is to further merge cultural and tourism development, enlarging the space for Kunlun cultural exchanges and establishing a vibrant Kunlun tourism brand. This initiative aims to enhance regional cooperation, bringing the breathtaking scenery of Golmud to the forefront in Luoyang while showcasing the city’s natural landscapes and local traditions. The conference aims to harmonize efforts between the two locations in tapping into the Golmud tourism market, thereby fostering cultural dialogue and promoting high-quality development in the cultural and tourism sectors.
During the conference, Ayingde, the Chairman of the Golmud Municipal People’s Congress, highlighted Golmud’s unique charm as a secondary city in Qinghai Province, blending stunning natural landscapes with a rich tapestry of ethnic cultures. With the rising popularity of social media hotspots, the city is poised to transform into an international eco-tourism destination. Ayingde emphasized that Golmud will utilize its distinctive cultural resources to offer visitors comprehensive experiential products that cater to diverse tourism needs.
Representatives from Golmud’s various cultural and tourism organizations showcased the city’s rich tourism resources, including premium travel routes and distinctive salt lake vistas. Additionally, strategic cooperation agreements were signed between cultural tourism departments, associations, and tourism enterprises from both regions to exchange resources, promote collaboration, and select ten local tourism ambassadors for Golmud in Luoyang.
The promotional conference also featured displays of intangible cultural heritages and unique culinary experiences, with an array of traditional crafts such as embroidery, wood carvings, ethnic costumes, and Thangka paintings showcased for the attendees.
This event not only presented the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Golmud to the people of Luoyang, but also allowed them to experience the unique allure of high-altitude culture up close. The successful undertaking of this initiative marks a significant new chapter in the cultural and tourism partnership between Luoyang and Golmud.
