Global influencers set out to share Guizhou's story with the world

An aerial view of Tongren's vibrant cityscape at night. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2026 China Storyteller Partnerships officially kicked off in Tongren city, Guizhou province, on March 27. Themed "Global Media and Content Creators Explore Colorful Guizhou", the initiative aims to showcase the province's unique charm to international media and content creators through customized travel experiences.

As the first stop of the journey, Tongren was selected for its ecological, cultural, and industrial advantages. The city is home to the majestic Fanjing Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and serves as both a globally important matcha-producing region and the largest manganese mining base in Asia. At present, Tongren is pursuing high-quality development with sustainability as a priority and striving to build a world-class destination for health and wellness tourism.

International guests join together to light the ceremonial bonfire on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Tongren is home to one of the largest Dong ethnic communities, whose traditions and unique aesthetics enrich the local culture and nurture an open and inclusive spirit. Warm as a bonfire on a crisp spring night, Guizhou welcomes visitors to witness its development and rapid transformation with the utmost hospitality.

Through immersive experiences of Guizhou's ecological beauty, ethnic cultures, and development achievements, creators will share the stories of Guizhou with a global audience through overseas social media platforms in various formats. Simon Phillips, a British content creator who has called China home since 1998, noted that Guizhou offers a perspective of China that is more culturally profound and closer to nature. He hopes to share the colorful stories of Guizhou with the world through simple and authentic storytelling, helping more people understand and appreciate China.

Through meaningful and impactful content, these global voices can present a true, multidimensional, and comprehensive picture of both China and Guizhou, thereby deepening cultural exchanges between China and the world.

International content creators savor Guizhou's famous dish, fish in hot and sour soup, during their visit on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Members of the Dong ethnic group welcome international guests at the entrance of Zhaisha village with a traditional performance and rice wine on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

International guests arrive at the gates of Zhaisha village on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

An international content creator receives a traditional red-dyed egg, a local symbol of good fortune and well-wishes, on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

International guests join together to light the ceremonial bonfire on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

International guests gather around as the bonfire is lit on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

International guests gather around as the bonfire is lit on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A local resident leads the traditional bonfire dance on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The iconic Dong drum tower stands tall in Zhaisha village. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A local resident delivers a welcoming performance for the visiting delegation on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A local resident delivers a welcoming performance for the visiting delegation on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A majestic dragon dance performance illuminates the night during the bonfire party on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Local performers enthrall the audience with a harmonious group singing performance at the bonfire party on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

International guests posed for a group photo following the conclusion of the bonfire party on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]