Visiting Chongyang in Golden Autumn, Beauty in Xixia: 2023 Chongyang Cultural Tourism Festival Opened

On October 23, the 2023 Chongyang Cultural Tourism Festival opened in Xixia County, Nanyang City, Henan Province, China.

Citizens watching chrysanthemums [Photo by Wang Xiaojun]

This event, themed "Beauty in Xixia, Family Affection on Chongyang Festival", is divided into a series of cultural and tourism activities, including the Chongyang folk culture street parade and climbing activity, Chongyang cultural forum, and poetry and music concerts. Cultural elements related to Chongyang Featival have been shouwcased from various perspectives, such as the origin of Chongyang culture, Chongyang Festival in poetry, and the creation of Chongyang cultural and tourism highlights.

On the same day, a poetry and music concert was held in Xixia. The artistic performance team recited ancient classics such as Invitation to Wine (将进酒) and Tipsy in the Flowers' Shade (醉花阴), immersing the audience in the beauty of classical poetry.

Chongyang Reservoir [Photo by Wang Xiaojun]

Chongyang Town in Xixia County is the only town in China named after "Chongyang". It boasts geographical landmarks rich in Chongyang elements, such as Chongyang Temple, Chongyang Reservoir, and the Tower for Height Ascending. Local customs including ascending for blessings, drinking chrysanthemum wine, consuming chrysanthemum tea, enjoying Chongyang cakes, and wearing dogwood sachet have been passed down through generations in the area.

365 steps for height ascending [Photo by Wang Xiaojun]

Over the years, Xixia County has adhered to the concept of "inheritance, preservation, and development" and has explored the path of integrating Chongyang culture with the tourism industry. Represented by health and wellness culture, Qu Yuan culture, Laozi culture, and dinosaur culture, the county has established 17 different themed scenic areas.