Tianjin’s Hedong district showcases historical culture via tourism festival

The 6th Tianjin Zhigu Cultural Tourism Festival debuts in Hedong district on Sept 17.

The 6th Tianjin Zhigu Cultural Tourism Festival debuts in Hedong district on Thursday promising folk flower fairs, suggested tourism routes, history exhibitions, performances, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and more.

The cultural activity is part of the municipality’s tourism promotion offering an opportunity for close-up checking of the characteristics of each of the 16 districts.

As an old saying suggests, "there comes first the Zhigu area, then the Tianjin city". It is true. As early as the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Zhigu was prominent in development of sea transportation, commercial and military activity, and religion.

Ding Mei, deputy head of Hedong district, said that the area had early contact with Mazu and western culture, which now complement the local folk culture. Thus, the district highlights a unique cultural temperament and could be called “the cradle of Tianjin’s modern industrial civilization”.

Held every two years, the activity aims to enrich the fullness of life by allowing residents and visitors to take in wonderful folk intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and enjoy Zhigu’s history and culture.