Pianpo Bouyei ethnic township boosts tourism through intangible heritage

Pianpo Bouyei ethnic township in Guiyang's Wudang district, recognized as a city-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) town, has been actively promoting integrated cultural tourism development.

Each year, the township hosts the grand Bouyei "June 6" traditional festival, blending ICH performances, folk experiences, antiphonal singing, and long-table banquets. This festive event attracts approximately 120,000 visitors, resulting in a 10 percent increase in consumption for local dining and lodging.

The township holds an ICH performance to celebrate the "June 6" traditional festival. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang district]

The township also uses ICH workshops to extend the tourism value chain, encouraging artisans to open specialty studios. This has resulted in the opening of five ICH workshops, including batik and traditional tofu-making, that offer hands-on courses and DIY experiences, forming a full cycle of "skill showcase–visitor participation–product sales".

In 2020, Pianpo secured 300,000 yuan ($41,693) in provincial ICH funding to build the "Embroidery Impressions" costume-themed exhibition hall, based on the studio of city-level Bouyei costume inheritor Chen Huizhen. Since opening, the hall has welcomed a steady stream of visitors and students. Sensing an opportunity, Chen's family opened a rural restaurant and guesthouse in 2021 and now earns about 300,000 yuan annually.

Deputy Township Head Zhang Ling shared plans for the town, including deepening "ICH+" integration, developing themed tourism routes and products such as batik study camps and Bouyei-style homestays, supporting artisans in creating cultural products and expanding e-commerce channels, and improving infrastructure by planning cultural streets and consolidating workshops and exhibition venues for a better visitor experience.