While Yunnan does not really have a sea border, it is home to a renowned mariner by the name of Zheng He, from Jinning. He commanded seven expeditionary treasure voyages to Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and East Africa from 1405 to 1433.

The 2023 Kunming Zheng He Cultural and Tourism Festival is set to open in Jinning on July 11th, featuring 26 activities across seven major categories.

Under the theme of "Sailing Towards the Future with the Blue Sea, Advancing with the Zheng He Spirit," this cultural and tourism festival focuses on the construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative and promotes the Zheng He spirit of being pioneering, enterprising, open-minded, and mutually beneficial. It aligns with Kunming's goal of becoming a regional international center and Jinning's development as a "demonstration area for international health tourism" and a "tourism destination." Through festive activities, the festival aims to promote the comprehensive integration of culture, agricultural tourism, and health and wellness, empowering urban development and rural revitalization.

This year, the festival will feature 26 activities in seven major categories, with the main venue located in Zheng He's hometown, Kunyang, Jinning. The opening ceremony will include three days of artistic performances.

Located on the southern shore of Dianchi Lake, Jinning boasts a forest coverage rate of 51.79%. It is surrounded by a 53-kilometer lake coastline, encompassing the ecological, wetland, and scenic areas of Dianchi Lake. It is an important part of the ecological, cultural, and tourism circles of Dianchi Lake. With advantageous location, convenient transportation, and a mild climate, Jinning has rich historical and cultural resources and has been honored with titles such as "China's Natural Oxygen Bar" and "National Health Promotion Demonstration Zone." 

Jinning is the hometown of Zheng He, a great navigator, diplomat, and peace envoy. Zheng He was born in Hedaicun, at the foot of Yueshan in Kunyang, and through hardships and challenges, he achieved extraordinary accomplishments. Jinning is the ancient capital of the ancient Dian Kingdom and the birthplace of Yunnan Bronze Culture. Archaeological discoveries such as the Shizhaishan Ancient Tomb Group and the Hebosuo Relic Site attest to the glorious history of this land. The mysterious ancient Dian culture, the open and inclusive Zheng He culture, and the diverse ethnic and folk cultures blend and shine here.

With the "Zheng He Cultural and Tourism Festival" as a platform, Jinning in the new era strives to attract investment through cultural tourism, promote rural revitalization through the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism, provide innovative driving forces for Jinning's transformation and development, and promote high-quality economic and social development comprehensively.

Opening Ceremony Artistic Performance

Time: July 11th, 20:00-21:30

Venue: Zheng He Cultural Square

Zheng He Cup·Science and Sports Carnival and Yunnan Youth Sports Open Tournament

Time: July 15th-16th

Venue: Zheng He Cultural Square

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(Editors: Rachel, Amy)