1st China ASEAN Forum commences in Donglan, Hechi

On Nov 11, the first China ASEAN Forum in 2022 was held at the Weibaqun Memorial Hall in Donglan county, Hechi. About 100 experts, scholars, government officials and Party members attended.

Donglan county has a wealth of historical and cultural relics, as well as a rich and colorful folk culture. Donglan is considered as the "hometown of bronze drums" in China, which is unmatched anywhere else in the world. It also ranks as the research base of Guangxi intangible cultural heritage (ICH) bronze drum culture and an autonomous region-level ICH transmission base.

Li Dongqing, president of the Guangxi Institute of Studies on Economics and Politics of Southeast Asia, said the theme of this forum is ICH, which aims to promote the prosperity and development of Guangxi's ethnic culture, enhance the harmony and unity of all ethnic groups, and boost high-quality economic development in ethnic areas.

Professor Peng Zhaorong, director of the Institute of Anthropology at Xiamen University, pointed out in the theme report that bronze drum culture is shared by China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and other ASEAN countries. The Bronze Drum Culture (Hechi) Ecological Protection Experimental Zone provides ICH protection practices with a Chinese value and knowledge system.

Donglan county will take this forum as an opportunity to carry forward its best cultural traditions, raise awareness of the importance of preserving traditional culture and recognizing local folk culture, and encourage the public's appreciation of folk art. The county will also guide social groups to participate in the in-depth development of Donglan's cultural tourism industry in various forms, and promote the in-depth integration and development of culture and tourism.

The China ASEAN Forum is held in Donglan county, Hechi on Nov 11. [Photo/Hechi Daily]