"The trip was a transformative experience that left me in awe of the breathtaking natural scenery. When exploring landscapes, buildings, and the like, I was deeply amazed—these views, scents, and sounds made me feel connected to the environment, providing a genuine restoration for my mind and spirit," said Salam from Pakistan.

From May 23 to 24, the "New Chongqing 2024: Residents' Tourism and Leisure Project", initiated by Chongqing International Culture Association (CICA), made its first stop in Shizhu. International friends from Pakistan, Brazil, and Iraq, as well as photography lovers and social media influencers from Chongqing, immersed themselves in the local lifestyle of tourism and leisure in Shizhu.

International friends from Pakistan, Brazil, and Iraq, as well as photography lovers and social media influencers from Chongqing, immersed themselves in the local lifestyle of tourism and leisure in Shizhu. (Photo/ Chongqing International Culture Association)

They visited Sanhe Town, Linxi Town, Hezui Township, Wangjia Township, and Huanghe Town. Through on-site observation, listening to the introduction, and careful inquiry, they took a close look at Shizhu's vigorous development in poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, and intangible cultural heritage inheritance.

It was sunny in May. On the first day, upon arriving in Shizhu, participants went to the Beiling Mountain Ecological Fruit-picking Garden in Sanhe Town, located 12 kilometers from the county seat. The branches of the loquat trees were laden with fruits, enticing them to immerse themselves in the lush greenery. Despite the scorching sun, their enthusiasm for fruit picking was undeterred. The international guests spoke highly of the freshly picked fruits after tasting them. Jéssica from Brazil said it was her first time trying this fruit. She found it juicy, sweet, and sour, leaving her feeling very satisfied.

Upon arriving in Shizhu, participants visited the Beiling Mountain Ecological Fruit-picking Garden in Sanhe Town, 12 kilometers from the county seat. (Photo/The event organizer)

In the afternoon, at the ancient oil mill in Linxi Town, located 65 kilometers away, people feasted their eyes on various crafts of pressing oil with traditional wood tools. They engaged in interactive exchanges and immersed themselves in experiencing the intangible cultural heritage firsthand. After another 14-kilometer-long journey, participants arrived at the Wandi Tan Family Residence in Hezui Township. 

Situated on the Ancient Salt Road at the intersection of Chongqing and Hubei, Zhishu, and Wanzhou, it is the sole well-preserved traditional courtyard of the Qing Dynasty in Shizhu County. In 2019, it was rated as a historical and cultural site for national-level protection and preservation. The Tan Family Residence was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty. Historical records indicate that it has a history of 315 years. 

Located 22 kilometers away in Wangjia Township, the Luotian Compound exemplifies the traditional architectural style of the Tujia ethnic group, known as "Tujia quadrangle dwellings." It is one of the first traditional villages in Chongqing. The central courtyard of the earliest Luotian Compound has a history of 177 years.

Participants watched, appreciated, and captured everything that touched them during the journey, feeling the unique charm of Shizhu's ethnic culture and rich historical heritage. The stories buried within these courtyards intrigued them, adding to the allure and mystique of the place.

Before this journey, Shizhu was merely a geographical location for Yuan Fengbing. However, she was then impressed by stories of the elderly Tujia women, tales within the wooden buildings in the century-old courtyard, narratives beneath the loquat trees at Beiling Mountain, the stories from the oil mills, and the heroic sagas of 800 Sichuan soldiers in Xileping. She wanted to inscribe her story within Hezui Township and carry stories there out from Wangjia Township.

On the second day, participants went to the tea garden in Huanghe Town, 43 kilometers away from Shizhu County, for tea picking, tea making, and tea tasting. Salam from Pakistan said that he liked the tea gardens in the town very much, finding the vast expanse of lush green tea trees beautiful and relaxing. He mentioned that he planned to invite his friends to stay in Shizhu for a while. 

Participants went to the tea garden in Huanghe Town, 43 kilometers away from Shizhu County, for tea picking, tea-making, and tea-tasting. (Photo/ Chongqing International Culture Association)

Sahar from Iraq noted that back in her hometown, she also drank black tea, but it was heavy and thick and tasted sweet and bitter for an invigorating effect. However, while lighter in color, the black tea from Huanghe Town carried a delightful fragrance and left a sweet aftertaste, which she found truly amazing.

Organized by the Chongqing International Culture Association, the event aimed to explore new tourism and leisure experiences in a more "lifestyle-oriented" manner. At the same time, it aspired to enhance Shizhu's external attraction and appeal, allowing more people to learn about its stories and spread its voice.