Hunan Province showcased in London with cultural extravaganza and tourism drive

A vibrant cultural showcase promoting central China's Hunan Province captivated guests in London on Thursday, highlighting the region's breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and exceptional artistry.

The event featured a stunning photo exhibition, live traditional music, and hands-on displays of local crafts, including the famed Hunan embroidery, intricate ceramics, sandstone paintings, pyrography art, and 800-year-old paper shadow puppetry.

Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Province, extended a warm invitation to attendees. "You may have never visited Hunan," he said, "but when it comes to the floating mountains in the movie Avatar, you'll know what it looks like — Zhangjiajie."

He praised Zhangjiajie as a natural wonder and the province's top destination for international visitors, having welcomed over 1.83 million tourists from abroad last year.

Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Zheng Zeguang, also shared personal reflections on his visit to Hunan, highlighting its "breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and unforgettable cuisine."

He encouraged British travelers to take advantage of China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy and reassured that the Chinese Embassy in the UK is committed to facilitating the travel process.

Rachael Farrington, Head of Tourism at VisitBritain, highlighted the power of travel in building cultural and people-to-people connections.

"Tourism is a powerful way to bridge cultural gaps," she said. "I'm excited about the prospects of fostering further collaboration between China and the UK through our shared love for travel and culture."

Besides Zhangjiajie, the event also showcased some of Hunan's most popular tourist attractions, including the historic Fenghuang Ancient Town, Jishou Dehang Miao Village, and the vibrant capital city of Changsha. 

The province has direct flights linked to over 50 international cities, including London, making it more accessible for global travelers.

One of the most intriguing cultural exhibits was the 2,000-year-old legacy of Hunan craftsmanship. 

Attendees marveled at Xiang Embroidery — the local embroidery art form renowned for its realism and more than 100 unique stitching techniques, including the signature "loose hair stitch," which creates lifelike depictions of animals such as tigers and pandas.

Another highlight was the traditional Hunan Paper Shadow Puppetry, a form of storytelling that dates back over 800 years to the Song Dynasty (960-1276). 

These intricately crafted puppets, made from durable hemp paper, are known for their bold lines, vivid colors, and exaggerated features.

Often regarded as a precursor to modern cinema, the puppets' agile movements and expressive faces captured the essence of Hunan's cultural heritage.

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