In April, Huangshan shines in its beauty, as bauhinia and azaleas bloom in shared splendor. From April 23 to 24, a delegation comprising Hong Kong executive members and specially invited representatives of the women's federation organizations, organized by the All-China Women's Federation, along with female entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Taiwan based in the Yangtze River Delta, visited our city for an experience and exchange tour. The journey took them from the ancient village of Xidi Village in Yixian County to Xixinan and Lingshan ancient villages in Huizhou District, then to Xie Yuda Tea Museum and Huizhou Carving Museum. Along the way, the delegation observed and experienced firsthand Huangshan's profound historical and cultural heritage, the achievements of its beautiful rural construction, and the remarkable transformations taking place across the region. 

Xidi Ancient Village, a well-preserved complex of Huizhou-style architecture, is renowned as the "Museum of Ancient Chinese Residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties." From the memorial archways and couplets to the nuanced retreat of boundary walls, every detail embodies the wisdom of "harmonious coexistence." The delegation marveled at how walking through Xidi felt like traversing time, offering an immersive journey into Huizhou culture.

After the Grain Rain, Xixinan is lush and verdant. With an area of less than three square kilometers, this ancient village has undergone a remarkable transformation through innovative approaches and revitalization strategies. The thriving new formats—where villages become scenic areas, rural houses turn into guest rooms, and resources transform into assets—deeply impressed the delegation members. Zhao Huajuan, specially invited representative of the Guangzhou Women's Federation and Deputy Secretary-General of All-China Women's Federation Hong Kong Delegates Association Limited, remarked, "In Xixinan, we witnessed a vivid practice of the symbiotic coexistence of traditional village preservation and innovation."

If Xixinan represents a living example of "waterside commerce," then Lingshan Village unfolds as a three-dimensional scroll of "terraced fields and scholarly pursuits." With scenery at every turn and charm in every step, it has established itself as "China's Most Beautiful Ancient Village of Love." Xu Shouran, specially invited representative of the All-China Women's Federation and President of the Hong Kong International Women's League, expressed, "This is my first time visiting Huangshan. The women's work here is highly effective, and I will bring these valuable practices and experiences back to Hong Kong to integrate into the development of women's initiatives there."

At Xie Yuda Tea Museum Park, the delegation explored the Tea Culture Museum with great interest, learning about the history of Huizhou tea, the deep integration of tea culture with tourism, and how technology is driving innovation in the tea industry. The Huifeng Market showcased intangible cultural heritage products such as Huizhou ink sticks, paper-cutting, lacquerware, and fish lanterns, along with other "Huizhou Treasures," which captivated the delegates. Chen Shuzhi, specially invited representative of the Anhui Women's Federation and Deputy Secretary-General of All-China Women's Federation Hong Kong Delegates Association Limited, noted, "I am engaged in the promotion of intangible cultural heritage. Huangshan possesses rich intangible cultural resources, and I hope the two regions can deepen exchanges and cooperation in the preservation and inheritance of these heritage, allowing more people in Hong Kong to learn about Huangshan's intangible cultural heritage." At the Huizhou Carving Museum, under the guidance of Hong Jianhua, a national-level representative inheritor of Huizhou bamboo carving, the delegation members experienced the artistry of Huizhou carving firsthand through a hands-on workshop, gaining a deeper appreciation for the allure of this intangible cultural heritage.

Following the inspection, Zhang Bei, a specially invited representative of the Qingdao Women's Federation and Deputy Secretary-General of All-China Women's Federation Hong Kong Delegates Association Limited, expressed her delight: "I have visited Huangshan before, but returning now, the changes here are refreshing and impressive. Hong Kong is an international metropolis blending Eastern and Western cultures, and hosts the Hong Kong International Travel Expo every June. This provides an excellent opportunity for our two regions to further strengthen our complementary advantages and enhance cultural and tourism interactions."

Huangshan city has consistently actively integrated into the Yangtze River Delta regional integration development strategy, maintaining deep exchanges with Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Together, we are building an 'International Meeting Room,' having forged profound friendships through economic and trade cooperation, talent exchange, and public welfare collaboration. Earlier this year, the launch of the direct high-speed rail service from Huangshan to Hong Kong has not only shortened the geographical distance but also brought our hearts closer, injecting new momentum into the coordinated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

This experience tour was not only a journey of exchange but also a commitment to shared development. The Huangshan Women's Federation will further leverage its strengths, build platforms for exchange, deepen the bond between our regions, expand cooperation spaces, and contribute more feminine strength to composing a new chapter of Chinese path to modernization.

Source: Huangshan Daily