Yanwen’s blog

1/9/2025

Yesterday, I discussed why Korean tourists are particularly drawn to Zhangjiajie. Today, I’ll share my thoughts on the factors behind Zhangjiajie’s immense popularity among Koreans.

Zhangjiajie wasn’t always well-known among international tourists. In 1998, the local government implemented strategic marketing initiatives to promote its attractions on a global scale.

Leveraging Film and Television  

One of the earliest strategies involved using film and television as promotional tools. Initially, Zhangjiajie gained recognition as a filming location for Journey to the West. Later, the release of Avatar in 2009 brought international attention to its landscapes. Zhangjiajie’s iconic "Southern Sky Column” was marketed as the inspiration for the movie’s floating mountains. At the time, the slogan, “潘多拉太远，张家界很近” (Pān duō lā tài yuǎn, Zhāng jiā jiè hěn jìn), meaning “Pandora is far away, but Zhangjiajie is close,” captured global imagination.

Extreme Sports Events  

Zhangjiajie also embraced extreme sports to attract attention. In 2007, the world-famous French climber Alain Robert, known as “Spider-Man,” scaled the iconic Tianmen Cave, further boosting the region’s appeal.

The South Korean Connection  

The pivotal moment for attracting South Korean tourists came in 2009, during the 20th anniversary of Zhangjiajie’s establishment as a city. As part of the celebrations, Zhangjiajie honored seven individuals as “Special Contributors to Zhangjiajie’s Development.” Among them was Cho HongKyu, a South Korean tourism promoter and the only foreign recipient.

Cho’s connection with Zhangjiajie began in 2001, when he attended the Zhangjiajie International Forest Conservation Festival. Deeply impressed by the region, he began promoting it to South Koreans. Initially a personal endeavor, his efforts soon aligned with the local government’s strategy to strengthen ties with South Korea.

Culture-Specific Marketing  

The government’s campaigns targeted South Korean seniors, emphasizing filial piety—a core cultural value. A popular slogan emerged: “If you haven’t been to Zhangjiajie in your lifetime, how can you call yourself an old man at a hundred years?” This reminds young people of taking their parents to Zhangjiajie, as it was framed as an act of respect and devotion.

Tailored Services for Korean Tourists  

Zhangjiajie introduced services specifically designed for family travel, making it easier for younger generations to take their elderly parents on trips. Recognizing the challenges of long journeys, the government negotiated direct flight routes between Zhangjiajie and multiple South Korean cities. These routes reduced travel time from 8 hours (with transfers) to just 3 hours.

To address potential language barriers, Korean-language signs were installed in major service areas and scenic spots, and a certification system for Korean-speaking tour guides was introduced. At its peak, Zhangjiajie had over 3,000 certified Korean-speaking tour guides.

The local government also prioritized convenience for international visitors by offering 24-hour visa-on-arrival services, ensuring that 90% of ATMs accept foreign cards, and enabling major stores to process foreign card payments via POS machines.

Exceeding Expectations  

Initially, South Koreans were drawn to Zhangjiajie for its breathtaking scenery. However, what keeps them returning is the exceptional level of service that often exceeds their expectations. From the seamless travel experience to thoughtful hospitality, Zhangjiajie continues to create pleasant surprises that leave a lasting impression.

A Global Standard for Tourism  

By combining awe-inspiring landscapes with meticulous attention to visitor needs, Zhangjiajie has transformed itself from a tourist destination into a world-class experience. It stands as a model for how destinations can captivate and charm global audiences while setting new benchmarks for tourism excellence. 

Ultimately, it’s a story worth sharing with the world.

1/8/2025

One of my Korean students once shared with me the excitement her parents had after visiting Zhangjiajie (张家界, Zhāng Jiā Jiè) in China. Their enthusiasm piqued my curiosity, and I made a note to learn more about this fascinating destination. That was last summer.

Key Facts About Zhangjiajie:

Location and Area: Situated in northwestern Hunan Province, China, Zhangjiajie spans approximately 9,563 square kilometers (3,692 square miles). It encompasses both urban areas and vast natural reserves.

Major Attractions:

1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:   - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area.  Renowned for its more than 3,000 sandstone pillars, some towering over 200 meters (656 feet). These formations are iconic symbols of the park’s ethereal beauty.

2. Tianmen Mountain: - Height: 1,518 meters (4,980 feet). Famous attractions include the 99-Bend Road, the Glass Skywalk, and the stunning Tianmen Cave.

3. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge:  - Length: 430 meters (1,410 feet).  - Height: Suspended 300 meters (984 feet) above the canyon floor, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.

4. Baofeng Lake: - A tranquil lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs and dense forests, ideal for peaceful boat rides amidst natural beauty.

5. Sky Ladder Via Ferrata (天梯攀岩道, Tiān Tī Pān Yán Dào):  - Located on Seven Star Mountain, part of the greater Zhangjiajie area. Features a 168-meter-long steel pathway suspended 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) above the ground, bridging two cliffs. Provides panoramic 360-degree views of Zhangjiajie’s sandstone pillars. This exhilarating and physically demanding climbing route requires safety harnesses and fitness, making it a dream for adventure seekers. 

The landscapes of Zhangjiajie are often likened to classical Chinese paintings, offering a romantic and otherworldly atmosphere that captivates travelers.

Last summer, the headline "South Korean Tourists Traveling to China Increased by 900%" went viral on Chinese social media. According to data released by South Korea at the time, over 140,000 South Korean tourists visited China in January 2024 alone. Even more remarkable is their preferred destination: Zhangjiajie.

Statistics from China Tourism News reveal that Zhangjiajie welcomed 687,400 international visitors in 2023. Among them, over 280,000 were South Korean tourists, making up an impressive 41% of the total. In other words, nearly 4 out of every 10 foreign visitors to Zhangjiajie were from South Korea.

Zhangjiajie is considered a “must-visit destination for taking your parents on a trip” in South Korea. It is even mentioned in the South Korean drama My Uncle. In one scene, young people discuss potential vacation spots for their parents, and they unanimously recommend “Zhangjiajie.”

Another example is a well-known saying in South Korea: "人生不到张家界，百岁岂能称老翁?" (Rén shēng bú dào Zhāng jiā jiè, bǎi suì qǐ néng chēng lǎo wēng), which means, “If you haven’t been to Zhangjiajie in your lifetime, how can you call yourself an old man at age 100?”

Why Korean Tourists Love Zhangjiajie:  

What makes Zhangjiajie so appealing to Korean travelers? The answer is multifaceted, but three key reasons stand out. First, the natural beauty of Zhangjiajie—with its breathtaking sandstone pillars, serene lakes, and lush greenery—resonates deeply with Koreans' love for hiking and outdoor adventures. Second, the region’s frequent appearances in popular Asian dramas and films have created a sense of familiarity and allure, amplified by a shared cultural appreciation for majestic landscapes. Finally, the local government has made significant efforts to accommodate Korean tourists, including providing Korean-speaking guides and hotel staff, offering direct flights and affordable travel packages, and ensuring the availability of Korean restaurants.

Zhangjiajie’s success highlights an important lesson: it’s not enough for a place to possess natural beauty alone. The local government and community must actively create an inviting environment, offering high-quality accommodations, cultural connections, and logistical ease.

To be continued tomorrow.

1/7/2025

On January 4, 2025, I experienced a curious incident. An old classmate from my teenage years in Tianjin attempted to leave comments on my blog but encountered technical difficulties. Without reaching out for clarification, she abruptly unfriended me, likely assuming I had blocked her. This reminds me of a young relative of mine who quit a family group, probably due to inability to digest different views. While surprising, I’ve come to accept her choice as a reflection of her own perspective rather than mine.

This event reminded me of a broader truth: people's actions reveal more about them than about us. The same principle applies to nations and their pursuits.

Toward the end of 2024, Reuters reported on China's project to build the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet. The scale and implications of this endeavor are monumental.

Key Figures and Highlights from the article

1. Electricity Generation Capacity:   Tibet holds over one-third of China’s hydroelectric potential.  The new dam is projected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually—more than three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, the current largest, which produces 88.2 billion kWh.

2. Geographical Context:   Located on the lower reaches of the China's Yarlu Zangbu River 雅鲁藏布江, (Yǎlǔ Zàngbù Jiāng) on the Tibetan plateau. This section is near the Yarlu Zangbu Grand Canyon, one of the deepest and most dramatic river gorges in the world. The area is rugged, remote, and challenging for construction but offers unparalleled energy generation opportunities.

3. Engineering Challenges:   The river descends 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) over a short span of 50 kilometers (31 miles), presenting unparalleled hydropower potential alongside significant engineering complexities.

4. Strategic Importance:    Central to China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Expected to stimulate engineering, boost related industries, and create jobs in Tibet.

5. Global Impact:    The Yarlu Zangbu becomes the Brahmaputra River downstream in India and Bangladesh, raising concerns over water flow alterations and ecological impacts in those nations.

6. Broader Developments:   China has already initiated hydropower generation on the upper reaches of the river and plans further projects upstream.

Benefits of the Yarlu Zangbu Dam

This hydropower project promises transformative benefits for China and the region:

Unparalleled Energy Output:   The dam’s annual electricity production will significantly expand China’s renewable energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing clean energy initiatives.

Carbon Neutrality Goals  Providing a massive source of clean energy, the dam supports China’s commitments to achieve carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, helping mitigate global greenhouse gas emissions.

Regional Development   Economic growth in Tibet will be catalyzed, with job creation during and after construction. Improved infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, will enhance the quality of life and unlock new opportunities for residents.

Hydropower Stability  Unlike solar and wind energy, hydropower offers reliable, steady output critical for grid stability and meeting baseline energy demands.

Flood Control and Water Management  By regulating river flow, the dam could mitigate the risk of seasonal flooding downstream, potentially benefiting regions in India and Bangladesh prone to such challenges.

Innovation in Renewable Energy  As the largest hydropower project globally, it may inspire future advancements in renewable energy technology, shaping projects in China and beyond.

The tone of the article is factual and cautionary with critical undertones and emphasis on geopolitical angle, potential environmental impacts and displacement of communities. Large project like this faces significant challenges technically and ecologically, and those regarding potential displacement of communities.

Finally, the Yarlu Zangbu hydropower dam embodies China’s ambition to lead in renewable energy and infrastructure. Once completed, it will transform Tibet’s economic landscape and stand as a symbol of China’s engineering prowess. Its success will depend on balancing benefits with the challenges, ensuring its legacy as a global benchmark for sustainable development.

1/6/2025

The thought of the chaotic Middle East today brings to mind the great ancient civilizations of the Mesopotamian region, nestled between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Often called the "Cradle of Civilization," it was home to some of the earliest and most complex societies in human history. I also recall the Lamassu sculptures at the Louvre—mighty guardian deities meant to protect their people and preserve their culture. Yet even these powerful symbols could not safeguard Mesopotamia’s cultural heritage or secure peace and safety for its descendants in the present day. History reminds us that only a strong nation can offer its people peace and stability.

This reflection feels particularly relevant when juxtaposed with modern achievements like the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel through Tianshan Mountains, an infrastructural marvel that demonstrates China's vision for connectivity and economic development. At the end of 2024, Newsweek published an article, "China Builds World’s Longest Express Tunnel" (12/31/2024), highlighting the significance of this engineering feat.  

Key Facts About the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel  

1. Length: Spanning 22.1 kilometers (14 miles), the longest express tunnel in the world.  

2. Elevation: Constructed at an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in the Tianshan Mountains.

3. Construction Timeline: Begun in April 2020 and completed more than 18 months ahead of schedule in December 2024.

4. Travel Time Reduction: Reduces travel through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours to just 20 minutes.  

5. Expressway Integration: A key section of the 320-kilometer Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, set to open in 2025, shortening the journey between Urumqi and Yuli from seven hours to just over three hours.  

6. Geographical Significance: The tunnel crosses the Tianshan Mountains, a natural barrier averaging 300 kilometers wide, dividing Xinjiang into northern and southern regions.  

Implications of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel  

Connectivity: A Catalyst for Economic Integration   The tunnel is a transformative infrastructure project, dramatically improving connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang. This enhanced accessibility is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic activity, fostering more balanced development across the region. By reducing isolation, it addresses economic disparities and paves the way for greater regional integration.

Strengthening the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)   Xinjiang is a linchpin of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), acting as a vital link between China and Central Asia. The tunnel bolsters the region’s role in the Silk Road Economic Belt, facilitating smoother transport within Xinjiang and strengthening links to Eurasian trade routes. This infrastructure aligns with China's vision of greater connectivity across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Improved Quality of Life  By drastically reducing travel times, the tunnel enables better access to education, healthcare, career opportunities, and other economic activities for Xinjiang’s residents. This improvement in mobility is expected to enhance living standards and reduce the region’s poverty and isolation.

A Symbol of Unity and Progress  Xinjiang has been a focal point of China's national development strategy. The tunnel serves as a tangible representation of efforts to integrate the region more closely with the rest of the country. By addressing socio-economic disparities, the project also contributes to promoting stability through development.

A Chinese saying, "天堑变通途" (Tiān qiàn biàn tōng tú), means "The natural barrier turns into a thoroughfare." Figuratively it means, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle is transformed into a path of connection and progress. This captures the essence of constructing the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel. It celebrates the triumph of human ingenuity and technological advancement over formidable natural challenges.

In conclusion, more than anything else, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel shows China's strategic focus on connectivity and regional economic development. Its completion highlights China’s growing technological prowess and its commitment to sustainable, inclusive development.

As history unfolds, such projects will demonstrate its value and its far-reaching significance, and that economic development, connectivity and innovation remain cornerstones of progress.

1/5/2025

After years of seeing China portrayed negatively in much of the Western media, it feels like a breath of fresh air to encounter narratives that break through with undeniable facts.

In December 2024, I came across an article vividly illustrating China’s growing influence on global technology and its quiet but significant penetration into the U.S. market.

The article opens starkly: "For 70 years, most of our essential and widely used technology originated from American companies. That’s not true anymore. Americans use a lot of technology from China, and that’s not going to stop."

A Shift in Technological Dominance--   For decades, the U.S. was the cradle of transformative technologies. But as the article highlights, Chinese companies are now shaping innovations that have become integral to the daily lives of American consumers.  

Chinese Technology, Seamlessly Integrated--  From Lenovo laptops and TikTok to apps like Shein and Temu, the footprint of Chinese technology in America is undeniable. Notably, "China’s ByteDance makes three of the 10 most downloaded iPhone apps in the United States." Beyond consumer tech, Chinese advancements in EV batteries and artificial intelligence are redefining global standards.

Innovators and Global Trendsetters--   The article doesn’t merely cast Chinese companies as competitors; it positions them as innovators leading or matching the West in fields like AI, gaming, and electric vehicles. This recognition signals a grudging respect, intertwined with concern over shifting technological power dynamics.

Note A Measured Shift in Tone--  Lately, I’ve noticed a subtle shift in how Western media portrays China. It feels as though there’s been an internal recalibration in editorial policies. The tone is becoming more fact-driven and measured, albeit still tinged with undeniable anxiety. This shift likely stems from a growing acknowledgment that denying China’s advancements in technology, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives is becoming increasingly untenable.

From leading the global EV market to achieving breakthroughs in AI and spearheading reforestation efforts, China’s accomplishments are as clear as daylight—too prominent to overlook or dismiss.

A New Reality for a Multipolar World--  The West’s economic interdependence with China complicates outright antagonism. Western media may be recalibrating their narratives to reflect a multipolar world where demonizing China entirely proves counterproductive. Balanced fact-based reporting may be out of sheer necessity.

China’s role as a global technology leader and trendsetter is becoming harder to dismiss. Acknowledging this reality isn’t merely a concession to facts but also a recognition of market dynamics and consumer influence.

A Poetic Reflection on Change--  The quiet yet undeniable rise of China’s technological influence feels akin to the sentiment expressed in the Chinese poem:  "无可奈何花落去" (wú kě nài hé huā luò qù)—"One can only helplessly watch the flowers fall." It reflects a sense of inevitability in the face of profound shifts.

For the West, this transformation signals the need to adapt to a new reality: a world where China is not just a participant but a leader in shaping the global technological landscape. The challenge now is not to resist the inevitable but to engage with the new reality.  

The falling flowers of a bygone era give way to new blooms—symbols of a changing world order. As these new realities take root, the question for both East and West is how to cultivate collaboration and competition in ways that benefit the global community, rather than be overwhelmed by anxiety or rivalry.

Change, after all, is inevitable—but our response to it defines the future.