From -rural land- to -residents’ hands-, Nanjing cultural tourism landmarks empower a better life
On October 20th, during an event aimed at bridging the gap between “farm-fresh” and “table-ready,” the “100 Villages, 100 Products, 100 Stays, 100 Flavors” seasonal celebration of rural life took place in the Nanjing Art Street and Gulou Riverside Art District. This initiative, organized by the Nanjing Tourism Group, the Nanjing Supply and Marketing Group, the Nanjing Inn Association, and the Nanjing Tourism Industry Chain Innovation and Supply Chain Party Building Alliance, seeks to further integrate agriculture, culture, and tourism.
Set against the backdrop of the “Big Blue Whale” landmark at Wangjing Square, the event featured 66 booths showcasing high-quality agricultural products alongside 17 exhibition stalls promoting rural accommodations. The atmosphere was vibrant, with a continual flow of city residents and tourists eager to sample and purchase local delicacies. More than a hundred unique local agricultural products were on display, including Pukou Liming Old Chicken Soup, Jinling Big Meat Bun, Rose-scented Dragon Fruit, Mulberry Red Wine, and Blueberry Puree.
At the main stage area, rural artists and intangible cultural heritage inheritors from Jiangning, Lishui, Pukou, and other regions came together to perform classic folk dances and music, such as Mapi Lafu drums, Hand Lion Dance, and Dragon and Lion Twirling Blessings. These performances offered attendees a rich cultural experience, showcasing rural culture in the heart of the city.
During the event, performers from the cultural station on Ninghai Road spiced up the atmosphere with songs and dances that conveyed the joy of harvest, receiving enthusiastic applause. Students and faculty from the Nanjing University of the Arts were invited to conduct engaging theater performances and spontaneous music events in the street area and at the Shitou City Ruins Park.
Previously, the Nanjing Art Street had already hosted events like the “Four Seasons of Agriculture” Jiangsu Agricultural Brand Exhibition and the “Rural Tourism Gifts” market, acting as a communication bridge between farmers, rural cooperatives, agricultural enterprises, and the public. These initiatives have facilitated the integration of agricultural products into urban markets and attracted urban residents to rural experiences.
As Zhang Jian, General Manager of Nanjing Qinhuai River Development Co., Ltd., noted, “With the nighttime cultural market and daytime agricultural market, Nanjing Art Street has evolved into a one-stop retail platform for high-quality agricultural products, creating a comprehensive marketplace model that functions around the clock.” He also mentioned that the upcoming “Gexiang Flower Opening · Menzhu Week” in November aims to empower and promote cultural activities, further enriching the development of the rural cultural tourism industry.
