"Fu" culture boosting tourism in Taining Ancient Town in E China's Fujian

Visitors can be seen everywhere in the ancient town of Taining, Sanming City, east China's Fujian Province, capturing photos with various "Fu (Happiness)" cultural landmarks. In recent years, Taining has been using "Fu" culture as a guiding principle to accelerate the transformation and upgrading of its local cultural tourism industry. By deeply exploring the essence of "Fu" culture, innovating cultural tourism products, and enhancing the quality of tourism, the local cultural tourism economy has been revitalized.

Photo shows the cultural district in Taining Ancient Town, Sanming City, east China's Fujian Province. (Photo provided to GMW.cn)

In the Ming and Qing Garden Scenic Area of Taining, the "Hundred Blessings Pavilion", themed around "Fu" culture, has become a popular spot for tourists. This pavilion, relying on the rich collections of the Ming and Qing Garden, showcases over a hundred "Fu"-related artifacts, including blessing boxes, plaques, and calligraphy works. Each item carries deep cultural significance and auspicious meanings. "The 'Hundred Blessings Pavilion' is a key initiative in our deep exploration of 'Fu' culture. We hope that through this pavilion, visitors can not only appreciate exquisite wood carvings but also deeply experience the unique charm of 'Fu' culture," said Fan Wenqin, head of the Cultural Reform Section of the Taining Publicity Department.

To enhance visitor participation and experience, the "Hundred Blessings Pavilion" features a series of interactive activities such as "Tracing the Source of Fu", "Walking the Fu Path", and "Stamping Fu Seals", allowing tourists to personally experience the profound depth of "Fu" culture.

Photo shows visitors snapping shots at the "Fu" Street in Taining Ancient Town, Sanming City, east China's Fujian Province. (Photo provided to GMW.cn)

Liang Guangyao, a resident of the ancient city, also praised the changes in recent years, saying, "Although there were many historical relics in the ancient city before, it always felt like something was missing. Now, with the addition of light shows, 'Fu' stages, and 'Fu' lanterns, there's a renewed sense of vitality and fortune."

Taining has integrated "Fu" culture into the revitalization and utilization of the ancient city, combining the advantages and characteristics of Shangshu Street, Jinshi Lane, and Jiujuxiang Alley to create a "Fu" cultural tourism and leisure district. They've introduced cultural facilities such as 3D animation light shows and community stages, turning the city into an important showcase for "Fu" culture.

"It's truly stunning!" said Ms. Li, a tourist from Shanghai, expressing her amazement. "As soon as I entered Taining, I could feel the strong presence of 'Fu' culture. The 'Hundred Blessings Pavilion', in particular, left a deep impression on me, showcasing the long-standing heritage of Chinese 'Fu' culture."

Photo shows the "Hundred Blessings Pavilion" in Taining Ancient Town, Sanming City, east China's Fujian Province. (Photo provided to GMW.cn)

Taining is actively exploring ways to preserve and innovate "Fu" culture. Leveraging its rich intangible cultural heritage and ancient wooden architecture, the county has carefully curated a series of "One County, One Fu Product" souvenirs. This series includes over 70 cultural and creative products such as "Linghong Fu Wine", "Zhuangyuan Fu Tea", "Fu Trend Souvenirs", and creative "Fu Bags".

Taining has also integrated "Fu" cultural elements into its tourism resources, connecting the county's iconic attractions through four themed micro-vacation "Fu" cultural tourism routes under the "Together in Taining" brand. These routes deeply explore rural tourism resources, offering village tours themed around "Koi Fu", "Zhuangyuan Fu", and "Ecological Fu". Additionally, through activities such as the "Fu Flavor" Culinary Competition, the county has created local culinary experiences like the Hundred Blessings Banquet, Fu Bag Banquet, and Full Blessings Banquet, allowing visitors to savor ancient cultural charm, appreciate the beauty of nature, and experience the "Fu Flavor" of culture.