By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- Guizhou, a province in southwestern China, is positioning itself as an emerging destination for Malaysian travellers, inviting them to discover its breathtaking natural scenery and rich cultural heritage through the Discover Guizhou series.
Deputy Director of Satellite TV Centre and the International Communication Centre of Guizhou Radio and Television Station Huang Bei said Guizhou, well known for its unique karst landscapes, offers visitors an opportunity to go beyond sightseeing and experience the local way of life.
She said travellers can stay in traditional villages, discover intangible cultural heritage, enjoy locally grown tea amid scenic plantations and immerse themselves in the rhythms of everyday life.
She said the province had also established close cultural ties with Malaysia, through a friendly-relations agreement between Qingyan Ancient Town in Guiyang and Jonker Walk in Melaka.
“This shared cultural affinity creates a natural sense of familiarity, particularly for Malaysian Chinese travellers,” she told Bernama through a translator after the launch of the “Discover Guizhou, China-Malaysia Cultural Tourism and Audiovisual Exchange Journey” series at Pavilion here on Saturday.
The event was also attended by Tourism Malaysia’s International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa) Assistant Director, Muhammad Haqim Mohd Farid Ridzwan Lee.
Huang expressed hope that the Discover Guizhou series promotional activities held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from Aug 25 to Sept 8 would help more Malaysians learn about the province.
The series includes Guizhou Cultural Street at Pavilion, showcasing accessories, crafts, outfits, headgear and cuisine from Guizhou.
She also highlighted Guizhou’s cool and relatively dry summer climate as another major appeal for travellers from Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region.
Huang said Guizhou is also home to the vibrant living cultures of ethnic communities such as the Miao and Dong peoples. At Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, for example, visitors may be invited to join locals in a traditional lusheng dance.
“This warm and welcoming atmosphere makes strangers quickly feel at home and creates a deeply immersive cultural experience,” she said.
On halal food options for Malaysian Muslims travellers, Huang said halal dining is available in Guizhou, particularly in major cities such as Guiyang and Anshun. Muslim travellers can find a range of Chinese halal dishes, Xinjiang cuisine and international options.
“Some higher-end hotels are also becoming increasingly attentive to the dietary needs of Muslim guests, with selected properties offering halal meal options upon request,” she added.
-- BERNAMA