A popular night market's integration of traditional local culture has helped energize the millennia-old Luoyang city in central China's Henan Province.
Luoyang, one of the cradles of Chinese civilization and the capital of 13 dynasties, has been ramping up tourism in recent years.
Present-day Luoyang is home to five capital city ruins, six UNESCO World Heritage sites, 197 cultural relic units under national and provincial protection, 9,000 pieces of immovable cultural relics, and 102 museums.
Among all the distinctive cultural experiences specially organized by the local government, the enchanting riverside dance undoubtedly stands out as a highlight.
"This classical dance primarily draws on movements from artifacts like terracotta figurines and murals, while also incorporating elements and styles from traditional opera," said Zhang Fangfang, the deputy director of the Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Laocheng District.
Much like traditional dance, other revitalized cultural practices are flourishing in modern society, with Hanfu -- traditional Chinese costumes once favored by Han Chinese -- similarly amassing a devoted following.
"I believe Hanfu represents our traditional attire and embodies Chinese culture. Wearing Hanfu while taking photos in Luoyang's ancient city is especially beautiful, as if stepping back to the Tang Dynasty thousands of years ago. It beautifully showcases the unique charm of Eastern women, and I absolutely love it," said a tourist.
At a modest stall in the night market, a vendor skillfully crafts exquisite art pieces using traditional Chinese herbs as the base material, creating life-like sculptures. In one striking diorama, furry monkeys sit at a dinner table in a traditional-style Chinese kitchen.
"Maohou uses monkey figurines to mimic various human movements, portraying the diverse aspects of everyday life. By blending the monkey's natural vivacity with the artist's creativity, they create a remarkable realm of artistic expression," said the craftsman.
According to local officials, showcasing these modern takes on traditional artwork is a central purpose of the night market.
"Of course, we can't let these treasures remain hidden underground. Over the years, we have employed disruptive creativity, immersive experiences, youthful consumer engagement, and mobile communication to advance our cultural tourism efforts," said Lan Hongtao, deputy director of the Luoyang Municipal Bureau of Culture, Braodcast-TV, and Tourism.
Millennia-old Chinese city blends ancient heritage with modern energy in thriving night economy
