Guilin stages dazzling tech-culture gala for Chinese New Year

Guilin, a city in Guangxi renowned for its picturesque landscapes, hosted a grand cultural tourism event on Feb 17 to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Da Tiehua, or Chinese molten iron fireworks performance. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/guilin]

Organized by Guilin Tourism Corporation, the event took place at Guilin Central Square and along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Spot, a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage nestled amid Guilin's breathtaking karst landscape.

Against a backdrop of mountains and waters, with technology as the boost, the festivities featured traditional cultural displays, waterfront performances, and a dazzling drone and aerial screen show, attracting thousands of visitors and locals.

As the dusk fell, the festivities began with singer Kong Ziming serenading the audience from a traditional fish lantern boat. The performance, reflected on the shimmering waters, captivated the audience.

A tourist from South China's Guangdong province, who gave her surname as Chen, said that the unique experience of watching a water-based performance amid the festive atmosphere is amazing.

Chinese-style dancers swirl with flowing sleeves. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/guilin]

As the three bells tolled, the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas lit up, accompanied by a dazzling display of light and sound. The city rang with New Year wishes as citizens and tourists alike chanted auspicious phrases, igniting the night with enthusiasm for the Year of the Horse.

The highlight of the festivities was an extraordinary drone and aerial screen show. Thousands of drones rose into the sky, forming intricate patterns in sync with the aerial screen, creating a breathtaking 3D visual spectacle.

The performance, divided into three acts – "Golden Horse Welcomes Spring", "Sun and Moon Shine Together", and "Galloping into the Future" – showcased iconic Guilin symbols such as the Lijiang River and Elephant Trunk Hill, as well as traditional cultural elements like Guilin rice noodles and oil tea.

The aerial screen, enhanced with AI visual technology, vividly depicted Guilin's development blueprint, spanning its achievements as a world-class tourist city and its aspirations to become a hub of technological innovation and outdoor sports.

Drone shows display Year of the Horse motifs over the scenic area. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/guilin]

As the event concluded, drones formed the Chinese characters that read "Wishing All Chinese and Friends around the World a Happy New Year", elevating the festive spirit and national pride to new heights.

The celebration continued with performances along the lakeside, where traditional dancers and interactive displays delighted spectators. The event's immersive experience allowed visitors to be part of the celebration, capturing and sharing the atmosphere of Chinese New Year.

Guilin's innovative blend of culture, tourism, and technology not only left a lasting impression on visitors but also showcased the city's commitment to cultural and technological integration. This successful event underscored Guilin's efforts to establish itself as a world-class tourist destination, combining its rich heritage with modern vitality.