STORY: Vlog: Ancient canal towns witness tourism boom ignited by Asian Games
DATELINE: Sept. 27, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:02
LOCATION: HANGZHOU, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE/SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Hangzhou
2. various of Xitang ancient town
3. STANDUP 1 (English): YU JIAMING, Xinhua correspondent
4. STANDUP 2 (English): YU JIAMING, Xinhua correspondent
5. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): PENG LIHUA, Inheritor of traditional knot button-making techniques
6. Wuzhen Scenic Area
7. STANDUP 3 (English): YU JIAMING, Xinhua correspondent
8. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): GONG JIANFENG, General Manager of Wuzhen Scenic Area Hotel Center

STORYLINE:

The 19th Asian Games opened Saturday night in Hangzhou, the capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, have boosted tourism in surrounding areas, including well-preserved canal towns in Jiaxing.

STANDUP 1 (English): YU JIAMING, Xinhua correspondent
"Xitang ancient town, known as the living millennial ancient town, retains a continuous well-preserved Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties architectural complex, as well as the unique humanistic customs of the water town."

With a vibrant urban landscape, Jiaxing City is also rich in history and culture.

The knot buttons of the Chinese traditional dress cheongsam are famous for their exquisite crafts and distinctive styles.

The making of knot buttons is an intangible cultural heritage of Xitang.

STANDUP 2 (English): YU JIAMING, Xinhua correspondent
"The knot button, one of the intangible cultural heritage of Xitang, is a distinctive feature of traditional Chinese apparel. Even today, it is still highly visible on garments like the Qipao, or cheongsam. Though normally associated with tradition, the knot buttons are currently enjoying renewed popularity."

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): PENG LIHUA, Inheritor of traditional knot button-making techniques
"To welcome the Asian Games, we made these three products. They are mascots with the knot button technique. We also made some products featuring specific sports with the knot button-making technique. Traditionally, the knot buttons are used in costumes. But its by-products are becoming popular among young people. So we developed new products, such as brooches, pendants, and ornaments which are good gift choices, especially among foreign guests. Our products thus can reach overseas."

STANDUP 3 (English): YU JIAMING, Xinhua correspondent
"As you travel through Southern China, you may come across many ancient towns and sites. Wuzhen Ancient Town, located in the northern part of Zhejiang Province, west of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is a typical one. With distinctive features and a history of over 6,000 years, it is listed as a 5A scenic area."

5A rating is the highest level of a five-tier tourist attractions rating system in China.

The millennium-old town glows with new vitality today.

The 10th Wuzhen Theater Festival will take place from Oct. 9 to 29 in Wuzhen with a wide array of performances and activities.

The river town will also usher in the 2023 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit from Nov. 8 to 10.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): GONG JIANFENG, General Manager of Wuzhen Scenic Area Hotel Center
"Wuzhen has been dedicated to the preservation of traditional culture, improvement of facilities and services, and building a social platform drawing young people. While providing a resort community for young people, it also creates a new brand and new symbol for the ancient town."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hangzhou, China.
(XHTV)