Scholar highlights cultural richness of Honghe at Beijing event

Chinese author and cultural scholar Zhu Sixiong, who wrote "Dianxingji," or "Travels in Yunnan," recently shared his reflections on Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province at a cultural event in Beijing, inviting audiences to discover one of the province's most distinctive travel destinations.

Drawing on his extensive travels across Yunnan while researching the book, Zhu described the unique charm of Honghe's tourism and promoted the region to global travelers.

"When I explore Honghe, I never focus merely on its landscapes," Zhu said. "What I see is how this land integrates centuries of farming traditions, a time-honored legacy of openness and the lifestyles of 13 ethnic groups into its everyday social fabric."

Honghe has no flashy online gimmicks, he said, but it preserves the most complete historical heritage of China's southwest borderlands, the most vibrant ethnic life and the most harmonious blend of mountains, rivers and humanity.

Zhu Sixiong shares his experience in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, at a cultural event in Beijing. (Photo/Hu Zunhui)

When writing "Travels in Yunnan," Zhu traveled extensively across the province, and Honghe was the destination that left the deepest impression on him. Jianshui Ancient Town in Honghe even inspired an entire chapter in the book.

Zhu expressed his belief that culture is a fundamental, profound and enduring strength, as well as the soul of tourism. What makes Honghe worth visiting, he said, is the depth of the cultural heritage rooted in its land and an unhurried, authentic local life that rewards a slow visit.

Apart from Jianshui Ancient Town, Zhu highlighted several other defining cultural landmarks of Honghe, including the Hani Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for their sustainable farming traditions, and the historic Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, which reflects the region's role as a crossroads of cultural and commercial exchange.

He also said Honghe's rich local cuisine is an essential part of experiencing the region.

The event concluded with a book-signing session, where Zhu signed copies of "Travels in Yunnan" for readers.

Zhu Sixiong signs copies of "Travels in Yunnan" at the end of a cultural event in Beijing. (Photo/Xue Dan)