Chongqing - On February 18, Chongqing convened a pivotal conference to propel the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle's evolution. The agenda unequivocally advocated leveraging culture to benefit the populace, expediting the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor's establishment, enriching the Chengdu-Chongqing region's cultural and tourism collaboration, and collaboratively advancing the dual-city economic sphere.

The stunning night skyline of Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)

At this juncture, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development pledged that in 2024, it would dedicate efforts to fostering "Chongqing-branded" literary and artistic treasures, making cultural resources and services more accessible at the grassroots level. This initiative, especially timed with the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, aims to unveil creations that encapsulate the zeitgeist, embody Chinese elegance, and exude Chongqing's allure while concurrently vying for prestigious national literary and art accolades.

The magnificent Zigong Lantern Festival. (Photo/Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism)

Chongqing is set to intensify support for local creative minds, burgeoning literary and art collectives, and private performing troupes, ensuring that artistic endeavors permeate the grassroots educational institutions and enabling a broader audience to relish premium cultural performances.

Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)

Moreover, the acceleration of public cultural infrastructure is on the agenda, encompassing significant projects like the municipal youth activity center and the second installment of the Chongqing International Circus City, alongside novel cultural venues such as various cities' book houses and cultural hubs aimed at fostering shared cultural development across urban and rural settings.

Sanxingdui in Sichuan. (Photo/Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism)

The Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor establishment is a crucial component of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle's blueprint. Reports indicate a consensus between Sichuan and Chongqing's cultural and tourism authorities on fast-tracking a national pilot zone for integrating culture and tourism within the region. This includes spearheading significant initiatives like "Archaeological China" and exploring the Bashu civilization's trajectory, among other endeavors, thereby deepening the fruits of the seventh collaborative session on the corridor's development.

The Dazu Rock Carvings were showcased at the Jinsha Site. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)

The signing of the Chengdu-Chongqing Ancient Road Cultural Tourism Belt. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)

This year's Chongqing Two Sessions spotlighted the collaborative efforts in cultural tourism between Sichuan and Chongqing. Notably, attractions like Chengdu's Kuanzhai Alley, Chongqing's Hongyadong, Chengdu's Jinsha Site, and Chongqing's Dazu Rock Carvings garnered significant public interest. Moving forward, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, in partnership with Sichuan and Chongqing's cultural and tourism sectors, is dedicated to fostering exceptional cultural tourism experiences. This involves integrating premier attractions into a seamless visitor experience, introducing the "Comfortable Sichuan, Pleasant Chongqing" brand, launching a series of marketing campaigns, promoting Bashu-themed travel products, and sharing captivating "Bashu stories" globally.

The collaboration between Chengdu and Chongqing in cultural and tourism endeavors is progressing toward a more profound and widespread transformation. The construction of the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor promises to bolster the regional economy and enhance cultural and tourism offerings for residents of both regions. Together, they are poised to script a new chapter in the narrative of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.