Intl content creators amazed by Guilin's cultural treasures

A group of international social media influencers visited the Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area in Guilin, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Dec 7, which coincided with the Chinese solar term Major Snow. While there, they experienced the city's intangible cultural heritage.

Under the warm winter sun, the participants in the cultural tourism event, "Next Station, Guangxi", immersed themselves in the rich local culture, enjoying lion dances, tasting rice noodles, sampling cured meats, playing with sugar paintings, and savoring oil tea, experiencing the unique intangible cultural heritage and seasonal flavors of Guilin.

A group of influencers participating in the cultural tourism event "Next Station, Guangxi" immerse themselves in the rich local culture at Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area in Guilin, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Dec 7. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]

Traditionally, on the day of Major Snow, ancient Chinese scholars would gather snow to brew tea, engaging in conversations and poetry. In front of the scenic spot's signature cafe, bowls of steaming "Chinese coffee" – oil tea – caught the attention of the influencers.

This distinctive tea, brewed with tea leaves, ginger, garlic, and peanuts, offered a complex flavor profile – initial bitterness followed by sweetness – enhanced with puffed rice, beans, and crispy nuts. In the cafe's courtyard, participants sat together, sipping tea and exchanging smiles, fully absorbed in the warm, lively atmosphere.

Gabrielle Renee from the United States, a tea enthusiast, expressed her fascination with white and Pu-erh teas. "Oil tea has a unique taste, different from any tea I've tried before. It combines the richness of soup with the aroma of tea. Initially unfamiliar, it becomes more captivating with each sip."

An inheritor of intangible cultural heritage demonstrated the art of sugar painting, drawing the attention of the influencers. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]

Savoring authentic Guilin rice noodles, with rich, savory broth, crispy pork, and refreshing sour bamboo shoots, left the participants in awe. Max Carrera from Mexico, who first visited Guilin years ago, said: "The taste of Guilin rice noodles stayed with me, and experiencing it again is truly wonderful."