Pengshui, the only autonomous county in Chongqing primarily inhabited by the Miao ethnic group, boasts the largest Miao population in the country. It is not only Chongqing's Miao region but also China's and the world's. The profound and vibrant Miao culture has been preserved in Pengshui, endowing the city with an endless and abundant cultural heritage.
International Students Experience Embroidery（Photo/Zhao Guogan）
On December 12th, as part of the "Perception of Chongqing · Listen to Chongqing" event, foreign youth from the United Kingdom, Russia, and Rwanda donned traditional Miao attire and immersed themselves in the unique charm of Pengshui's Miao culture in Jiulicheng.
Miao Culture Leaves Domestic and International Tourists Amazed
At half-past nine in the morning, Jiulicheng's stilted houses, perched on the mountainside, basked in the morning sun, emitting a rich atmosphere of Miao traditions, narrating stories that date back to ancient times. In front of the Jiudao Gate, tourists gathered in small groups, either stopping to admire the grand architectural complex or capturing the moment with their phones and cameras. Some climbed the stairs, step by step, to explore further.
Margareta from Russia, panting with exhaustion as she reached the highest point of Jiudao Gate, was captivated by the majestic and ancient Jiuli Palace and Miao King's Mansion. "It's truly spectacular. Jiulicheng seems to be embedded within the mountains," she exclaimed. Margareta had researched Jiulicheng online before her visit and found it unique. Seeing it in person exceeded her expectations.
At the city gate, enthusiastic Miao youths danced and sang while offering rice wine to welcome guests from afar. The vivid patterns, vibrant colors, and distinctive Miao cultural elements in their attire caught the guests' attention. Olya from Russia couldn't stop taking photos with her phone, saying, "Their headdresses and costumes are so beautiful; they are like works of art."
In the Miao embroidery museum, Margareta and Olya carefully admired the exquisite Miao embroidery products on display. They learned about the historical and cultural significance behind Miao embroidery and its beautiful symbolism. Under the guidance of skilled embroiderers, Margareta even picked up a needle and thread to experience embroidery herself. "This is a very intricate craft, and behind these beautiful garments are the painstaking efforts of artisans. I hope Miao embroidery can reach the world," she said.
When the two visitors arrived at the Miao silverware forging skills center, they observed Tuo Junhe, the inheritor of this craft, hard at work—melting silver, forging, drawing wires, and polishing meticulously. Olya couldn't resist getting closer to learn from the master and experience silversmithing hands-on. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being a "silversmith."
On the other hand, in the Miao medicine experience hall, James from the United Kingdom and Joshua from Rwanda were amazed by Miao medicine's "miraculous" aspects. Joshua sought immediate medical advice on-site, saying, "Doctor, I often feel hot, sweat easily, and have abdominal bloating. Is there anything you can do to help me?" Dr. Ai Xiansheng of the Pengshui Miao Medical Center examined Joshua's pulse and administered treatment on his arm using Miao medicine techniques. Joshua marveled, "My arm feels warm, and a warm sensation is flowing into my body. My stomach feels much better."
"Miao medicine emphasizes 'one disease, one treatment,' and it has unique methods such as Miao medicine moxibustion, Miao medicine foot therapy, Miao medicine cupping, Miao medicine rolling, and Miao medicine Tianyu powder," explained Dr. Ai Xiansheng.
As an invited expert for this event, Professor Wang Yongqiang from Sichuan International Studies University visited Pengshui for the first time. "The stunning natural scenery, the simple folk customs, and the warm hospitality here can provide tourists with a unique experience and leave a deep impression," he remarked.
Pengshui's Attractions Draw Tourists with Clever Tactics
As a showcase and base for displaying and inheriting Miao culture in Pengshui, Jiulicheng has seen a steady increase in the number of tourists in recent years. According to Sun Yunyu, the head of the Comprehensive Department of Chongqing Jiuli Tourism Holding Group Co., Ltd., differentiating and highlighting the region's cultural uniqueness is the key to attracting tourists to the scenic area.
Sun Yunyu explained that Jiulicheng has tapped into local ethnic culture and introduced "Nine Miao" specialties, including Miao cuisine, Miao embroidery, Miao art, Miao songs, Miao dances, Miao medicine, Miao herbs, Miao villages, and Miao cities. This allows visitors to sing Miao songs, wear Miao clothing, dance Miao dances, experience traditional craftsmanship, and immerse themselves in the Miao culture in various aspects, providing a unique cultural journey.
Moreover, Jiulicheng hosts a series of events during holidays and festivals, such as the High Platform Lion Dance Competition, the Miao Singing Competition, and the Miao Flower Mountain Festival. These activities showcase Pengshui's regional characteristics and ethnic charm, continuously enhancing Pengshui's visibility and influence in the tourism industry.
"National culture is global, and Pengshui's Miao culture is the most prominent and distinctive tourism resource. It is also the most worthy of promotion to a wide range of tourists," said Professor Wang Yongqiang. He suggested that Pengshui should actively cultivate new tourism products and formats, target specific market segments, design targeted activities, enhance the visitor experience, and attract self-driving, recreational vehicle (RV), club, and outdoor adventure tourists to Pengshui. Additionally, he recommended further improving tourism infrastructure, such as setting up camping sites and road signs, to provide more convenience to tourists and meet diverse needs.
International Students Experience Silversmithing(Photo/Zhao Guogan)
"We aim to create an internationally renowned tourist city with distinctive ethnic characteristics. We will respond to tourists' new expectations for tourist destinations, continuously improve the quality of tourism, and truly make Pengshui the 'World's Miao Region, Mindnourishing Pengshui,'" said an official withthe Pengshui County Cultural and Tourism Commission.
In the next step, Pengshui will leverage Jiulicheng as a window for showcasing ethnic culture, accelerate the construction of museums, Huang Tingjian Cultural Exhibition Hall, and Miao Art Museum, enrich elements related to Miao medicine, joyful teahouses, and Miao embroidery, comprehensively expand six major tourism formats—sightseeing, accommodation, shopping, entertainment, leisure, and vacation—and further enhance the "World's Miao Region, Mindnourishing Pengshui" tourism brand.