Popularity of Red Tourism

As the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 100-year milestone, the government urged the people to visit key historic sites and study the party's history. Before COVID, the tourism ministry estimated “red tourism” has attracted about 1.4 billion visits, equal to its population.

The government planned to host a Chinese Red Tourism expo in Jiangxi province, which was a cradle of Chinese Revolution from 1921 to 1949; and in Hunan province, which is the hometown of first President Mao Zedong. The red element has been immersed in study tours.

We visited the Beikui War Memorial Hall in Shaoguan, learning how China was reunified in the Northern Expedition. In Changsha, we visited the Yuelu Academy, where Mao got the inspiration of Communism. His young statue was built in Orange Isle as a commemoration.

To appreciate nature is another highlight. Yang Yuan and Yin Yuan Stone in Mount of Danxia, where the red sedimentary rocks are contained. Pinnacles and spires in Zhangjiajie, the first national forest park in China which inspired the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar.

The Education Bureau in Hong Kong carries out relevant subsidies. Each school can use different ways to arrange students to join Mainland exchange activities, or join those organized by the EDB, to foster a better understanding of China on a voluntary basis.

After the magnitude-8 earthquake struck in Sichuan, the bureau organized a tour to Chengdu. We paid respect to the victims in the Beichuan Earthquake Museum, built on the remains of Mianyang Middle School. The “tofu schools” have killed thousands of its children.

In addition to understanding the reconstruction after this catastrophic disaster, we were arranged to go to the Sanxingdui, where the ruined site of an ancient city was discovered; and its research base of giant panda breeding, as a wrap up to this country of heaven.