The 6th Hunan Tourism Development Conference began in Xiangtan, Central China's Hunan province, on Saturday, showcasing the city as a destination that seamlessly blends its revolutionary heritage with a vibrant, modern spirit.

Xiangtan, the hometown of Chairman Mao Zedong, boasts over 300 revolutionary heritage sites and more than 90 historical relics, establishing itself as an "open-air red museum" and a key highlight of Hunan's red tourism resources, Hu Hebo, the city's Party secretary, said at the tourism promotion event.

"My Shaoshan Tour", a study-tour program launched in Xiangtan in 2023, offers onsite ideological and political lessons for students. It has hosted 1.25 million students and teachers through publicly funded study tours and attracted over 2.94 million visits through other touring programs, according to government figures.

However, the city is not solely defined by its past, Hu emphasized. It also pulsates with youthful energy, trendy attractions, and modern lifestyles. For instance, Yangmeizhou, an islet in the Xiangjiang River, has been transformed into a trendy hotspot featuring flower fields, miniature trains, pet zones, coffee shops, and live music shows, drawing younger crowds.

Food culture has also become a significant attraction. A vertical drama titled "I Am a Chef in Xiangtan" recently went viral on short-video platforms, highlighting local cuisines, such as the fish head with chopped pepper.

A local saying goes, "If you've lost your appetite, just head to Xiangtan". Popular eateries often have long queues, adding a lively, down-to-earth charm to the city.

The 6th Hunan Tourism Development Conference adhered to the principles of frugality, green development, safety, and practicality in its organization, according to its organizers. Of the 14 key projects selected for site inspections during the event, 95.38 percent of the investment came from private sources, and 85.7 percent were renovation or upgrade projects utilizing existing facilities.

On Friday afternoon, a side event of the conference was held in Shaoshan, a city administered by Xiangtan, where young people from China and Vietnam toured significant sites and learned about China's revolutionary history together.

Li Aiwu, director of the Hunan Department of Culture and Tourism, stated that this youth interaction symbolizes the continuation and elevation of the profound friendship between the two countries in the new era and expressed confidence in a future of win-win cooperation.

An exhibition on major sci-tech equipment was also opened alongside the event, offering participants a close look at China's latest achievements in deep-sea exploration and space technology.

Vietnamese student Do Huy Duoc, 23, shared that he began learning Chinese and came to study in China two years ago due to the influence of Chairman Mao and the strong ties between the two countries.

"Shaoshan is beautiful. I really like it here, and the food is fantastic, too," he said.