BEIJING, June 15 — China's cultural tourism sector is experiencing significant expansion, characterized by innovative applications of technology and a government focus on heritage preservation.

Central to this growth is the recent unveiling of a large-scale virtual reality experience, "The Recluse Dongpo," at the Hainan Museum.

This interactive showcase allows visitors to engage with a digital representation of the revered Song Dynasty poet Su Shi, navigating through various epochs of Chinese history.

According to a survey by the China Tourism Academy, approximately 29.2% of travelers express a preference for cultural experiences, indicating a shift towards heritage-driven tourism.

The interest spans films, live performances, and technological experiences that contribute to the emergence of new travel destinations.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism's formation in 2018 marked a significant step towards akin development, allowing for the integration of cultural initiatives and tourism.

This integration aims to stimulate local economies through enhanced cultural offerings.

During the Dragon Boat Festival from May 31 to June 2, Beijing alone hosted over 1,700 cultural events, generating 10.77 billion yuan (about 1.49 billion U.S. dollars) from 8.21 million tourist visits.

Traditional festivals are notably popular among travelers, particularly after events like the Spring Festival, which was recently included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, attracting visitors to diverse cultural festivities.

Looking ahead, the Aranya Theater Festival scheduled for 2025 in Qinhuangdao will feature 29 theatrical productions from 12 countries, complemented by cultural activities such as art exhibitions and workshops.

The event aims to draw more international visitors, enhancing cultural exchange and tourism.

According to Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, this growing demand for cultural experiences reflects an upward trend in travel preferences, which now prominently feature museums, historical sites, and live-action performances.

The government has launched initiatives to support the development of cultural and tourism offerings, promoting partnerships between public cultural institutions and tourism sectors.

Recent steps include encouraging local governments to invest in cultural projects, demonstrating a commitment to integrate cultural industries with tourism infrastructure over the coming years.

In alignment with these efforts, the Shanhaiguan Museum of the Great Wall recently opened in Qinhuangdao, providing a modern hub for cultural education and heritage preservation.

Spanning 30,000 square meters and housing over 11,000 artifacts, the museum focuses on educating the public about the Great Wall's historical significance and serves as an academic center for research and exhibitions.

As part of international collaboration initiatives, China and Egypt are working together to nominate two ancient hydrological structures—Baiheliang and Nilometers—for world heritage status.

This cooperative effort aims to highlight shared cultural heritage and advance mutual partnerships in cultural preservation.

In addition, China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day was celebrated with a mix of online and offline events focusing on heritage preservation practices.

The celebrations included a forum on scientific developments in cultural heritage protection and a significant exhibition showcasing the historical impact of the Yangtze River on early Chinese civilization.

Through these varied initiatives, China is positioning itself at the forefront of cultural tourism and heritage conservation on a global scale, enhancing visitor engagement while simultaneously safeguarding its rich cultural history.