Longevity hometown Bama hosts 2025 ASEAN health tourism forum

The 2025 ASEAN International Forum on Health Tourism concluded in Bama, Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, during Nov 12-14.

Over 130 guests from China, ASEAN countries, international organizations, leading enterprises, and academia gathered in this world-famous longevity destination.

Bama's characteristic costumes add local charm to the forum. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/hechi]

Jointly hosted by China's cultural, tourism, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) authorities, the forum centered on two main areas: integrating health tourism with traditional medicine, and boosting industrial innovation via technology.

Key cooperation agreements were signed onsite. Guangxi's culture and tourism department partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to explore inbound markets, while Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital teamed up with a travel agency to develop "medical + tourism" products featuring ethnic medicine.

Health-preserving medicine exhibitions are held at the forum. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/hechi]

Guests contributed insights via keynote speeches and roundtable discussions. Subjects covered ASEAN health tourism opportunities, Cambodian traditional medicine practices, emerging TCM applications, and AI's role in health services, providing practical ideas for industry collaboration.

A product exhibition showcased Guangxi's tourism resources, TCM products, and characteristic routes via over 10 local enterprises.

The forum displays dishes integrating medicinal herbs and traditional cuisine. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/hechi]

Participants also visited Bama's scenic spots, such as Baimo Cave, a natural chamber filled with energy and fresh air, to experience its longevity culture firsthand.

The forum strengthened China-ASEAN relations in health tourism. Guangxi aims to build on this progress by expanding ASEAN cooperation, and developing targeted strategies for high-quality industrial growth.

Special desserts are served during the forum. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/hechi]