Hebei Unveils Immersive Cultural Tourism Experiences with New Scenarios and Formats

Hebei, renowned for its profound historical heritage, is witnessing a vibrant transformation in its cultural tourism sector as immersive experiences, innovative formats and interactive activities gain popularity across the region.

In Zhengding Ancient City, visitors join "Zhao Zilong" to beat drums and march into battle; at Handan Road Historical and Cultural Block, tourists embark on an "Idiom Journey"; at Wuqiao Acrobatic Fantasy City, guests dive into the spectacular world of acrobatics. These are among the diverse new offerings that have turned Hebei into a hotspot for cultural tourism enthusiasts.

Experiencing History: Traveling Through Millennia with Ancient Charm

Against the backdrop of upgrading cultural tourism consumption, modern travellers seek more than just sightseeing—they want to step into history and become part of the story. Hebei has accurately captured this shift, transforming its cultural resources into immersive scenarios that encourage participation and emotional connection.

At Handan Road Historical and Cultural Block, three thousand years of culture are presented in innovative ways through national trend concerts and comic idiom interactions. During the May Day holiday, the block received 1.554 million visitors, representing a year-on-year increase of 41.08%, with tourism spending rising by 97.65% year-on-year.

The success extends to Tangshan's Hetou Old Street, which integrates local culture with Tang Dynasty-style elements, creating a lively atmosphere that combines dining, sightseeing, shopping, entertainment and cultural performances.

To enhance its influence, the Hebei Department of Culture and Tourism has launched the first batch of 10 top cultural tourism IPs, including Hetou Old Street-Tangshan Banquet, Only Dream of Red Mansions·Drama Fantasy City, Handan Road and Aranya. These IPs have become symbols of Hebei's youthful and fashionable tourism identity.

Enjoying Traditions: Intangible Cultural Heritage Fuels Tourism Boom

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) has evolved from static exhibits into dynamic, interactive experiences that visitors can touch, feel and enjoy.

On May 30, Zhengding Ancient City hosted an immersive interactive experience of the "Zilong Expedition" Changshan War Drum, a national ICH item. Visitors, dressed as soldiers, followed "Zhao Zilong" in armour to beat drums and simulate battle formations, creating a memorable experience that has repeatedly trended on social media.

At Wuqiao Acrobatic Fantasy City, acrobatics transcend traditional stage performances, integrating with amusement, technology, research and night tourism. The venue hosts over 150,000 performances annually, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of acrobatics at every turn.

From Changshan War Drum in Zhengding to Wuqiao acrobatics, from Changli Diyangge dance to Tangshan shadow puppetry, Hebei has launched numerous ICH activities that transform traditional heritage into engaging tourism scenarios.

Interactive Entertainment: From Sightseeing to Participation

A growing number of scenic spots in Hebei feature NPC (Non-Player Character) interactions, bringing game-like elements to real-world tourism.

Hetou Old Street has deployed over 300 NPCs, including the "Tang Dynasty Poet Group" featuring "Li Bai", "Du Fu" and "Gao Shi". Dressed in white, "Li Bai" engages visitors in poetic dialogues, addressing modern-day concerns with ancient verses and becoming a viral sensation.

Innovative performances extend beyond NPCs. The Hebei Art Centre has launched the immersive interactive magic show Mysterious Agency, while Shijiazhuang's "Zuoshang'er" Immersive Theatre Space has created over 20 original plays and held nearly 700 events, attracting more than 100,000 audience members.

These new performance venues blend into urban spaces, located in shopping malls, historical blocks and industrial sites, making cultural experiences accessible to both tourists and locals.

Boasting rich historical and cultural resources, Hebei continues to explore its unique characteristics through scenario reconstruction, technological empowerment and role creation. These efforts attract visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the province, continuously enhancing the appeal of the tourism brand "So Close, So Beautiful, Weekend in Hebei".