Summary of Key Points
Recently, "new Chinese-style scenic spots" have become extremely popular across the country, but most of them have fallen into a trap of following a standard formula: combining antique architecture with traditional-style NPCs and performances that are all too similar, leaving visitors with no memorable experiences after taking photos. Successful examples such as Hetou Old Street and Langya Ancient City, however, focus on capturing the unique cultural essence of their respective regions. Hetou Old Street leverages Tangshan's rich "Tang culture," while Langya Ancient City clarifies the often vague concept of Langya culture through meaningful performances and attractions. The industry is now in a period of reshuffle, and only by slowing down and deeply integrating local culture can these scenic spots avoid becoming mere aesthetic deceives.
1. The Monotonous "Formula Scenic Spots": Beautiful but Soulless
Many new Chinese-style scenic spots resemble mass-produced products, featuring ornate antique buildings, NPCs dressed in traditional Han clothing selling goods or performing similar ancient-style songs and dances. Visitors often forget which city the spot is in after taking photos because all the interactions are identical—gambling houses use silver coins, embroidery towers release embroidered balls, and even the actions of the NPCs seem copied and pasted. Such spots focus on creating visually appealing content for short-term popularity but fail to provide a memorable experience.
2. The Secret to Successful Scenic Spots: Local Culture as the Core Competence
The truly popular new Chinese-style scenic spots use the same basic formula (antique architecture, NPCs, performances), but their success lies in the unique local culture that others cannot replicate:
- Hetou Old Street: It highlights the historical significance of Tangshan's name, derived from an imperial grant by Emperor Li Shimin during his eastern campaigns. Visitors can taste local delicacies like Tangshan roujiao and chess-shaped baked cakes, watch performances based on local history, and even engage in interactive experiences with NPCs that truly embody the character of Li Bai, making them feel the essence of Tangshan's culture.
- Langya Ancient City: It transforms the vague image from the TV series "Lan Ya Bang" into a tangible cultural experience by featuring local figures like Zhuge Liang and Yan Zhenqing, as well as Wang Xizhi and Meng Tian. These attractions demonstrate that Langya is more than just a backdrop for a TV show; it's a place of genuine historical and cultural significance.
The success of these spots does not come from following a formula; instead, they have deeply rooted their culture in the local community.
3. Why Do So Many Scenic Spots Copy Each Other? The Drive for Quick Profit
Despite knowing the importance of cultural depth, most still follow the standard formula. This is due to the conflict between speed and quality:
- Short-sightedness: Developing a rich cultural experience takes time (researching history, identifying local unique features), while copying formulas saves effort and allows for quick profits.
- Pressure from Stakeholders: Officials need to achieve tangible results, investors seek returns, and operators need cash flow. Projects must be profitable within three to five years. No one wants to wait for cultural development to happen naturally; thus, they opt for shortcuts.
However, these copied scenic spots lack a genuine foundation and can only follow current trends, eventually appearing to visitors as superficially attractive but insincere attractions.
4. A Period of Rebalancing: Slowing Down is the Key to Survival
New Chinese-style scenic spots have been popular for five to six years, and visitor interest is waning. The industry needs a shift in approach:
- Take Your Time: Stop rushing to achieve immediate success; only by taking things slowly can we create meaningful and memorable experiences. For example, the NPC portraying Li Bai at Hetou Old Street spends time memorizing his poems and immersing himself in the character, creating a genuine connection with visitors.
- Integrate Local Elements: Combine borrowed elements (such as NPCs and performances) with local culture. For instance, the portrayal of Li Bai should reflect Tangshan's unique context, addressing questions that resonate with local residents.
- More Exigent Visitors: Today's visitors expect a unique experience specific to each location. If a scenic spot cannot provide this, it is seen as an aesthetic deception.
In the future, only those new Chinese-style scenic spots that can genuinely connect visitors with the unique culture of their city will survive and thrive.
(The entire analysis is written in plain language, making it accessible to readers outside the financial and cultural tourism fields.)