Core Points - The Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan held the opening ceremony of the 2025 Yi Torch Festival, showcasing unique ethnic performances from 14 indigenous groups, attracting numerous tourists and igniting summer cultural tourism enthusiasm [1][2][4] Cultural Significance - The Yi Torch Festival is one of the most representative traditional festivals of the Yi ethnic group and has been included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative projects, with a history of over a thousand years [2] Event Highlights - The "Torch Carnival Night" featured 88 bonfires along a 4.8-kilometer street, with over 240,000 participants celebrating the festival by waving torches and chanting greetings in the Yi language [2][4] - The event included traditional dances and performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and unique products from the 17 counties of Liangshan [5][7] Tourism Impact - The festival significantly boosted local tourism, with popular destinations like Qionghai Wetland and Lugu Lake seeing increased visitor numbers, and the local railway service adjusting to accommodate the surge in travelers [4][7] - The local government emphasized the integration of culture and tourism, promoting various activities such as traditional performances, competitions, and food tasting to enhance the festival experience [7]

Core Viewpoint - The protection and transmission of cultural heritage are essential for the continuity and development of Chinese civilization, reflecting the historical, cultural, and ecological respect emphasized in Xi Jinping's cultural thought [1][2][3]. Group 1: Importance of Cultural Heritage - Cultural heritage serves as a powerful testament to the continuity of Chinese civilization, showcasing the creativity, wisdom, and collective memory of the Chinese people [2]. - Xi Jinping emphasizes the responsibility to preserve cultural heritage for future generations, highlighting the need for a respectful and careful approach to its management [2][3]. Group 2: Systematic Protection Approach - A systematic and holistic approach to cultural heritage protection is necessary, focusing on both tangible and intangible cultural assets [4][5]. - The protection of cultural heritage should prioritize preservation, rescue, reasonable use, and enhanced management to prevent damage from construction or neglect [4][5][6]. Group 3: Integration of Protection and Development - Cultural heritage protection should not hinder economic and social development; rather, both should be seen as complementary [12][13]. - The integration of cultural heritage protection with urban development must respect historical contexts while improving living conditions for residents [14]. Group 4: Cultural Heritage and Tourism - The fusion of culture and tourism is vital for enhancing cultural heritage's contemporary value, with tourism serving as a means to appreciate and engage with cultural assets [15][16]. - Sustainable tourism development must balance the protection of cultural heritage with the economic benefits derived from tourism [16][17]. Group 5: Educational Role of Cultural Heritage - Cultural heritage should be leveraged for educational purposes, particularly for youth, to foster a sense of cultural identity and pride [20]. - The promotion of cultural heritage can enhance China's international cultural influence, showcasing the values embedded in Chinese civilization [20].

Group 1 - The 31st Beijing International Book Fair will feature a Hong Kong Pavilion showcasing over 500 Hong Kong publishing, printing, and cultural products, aiming to highlight Hong Kong's role as a center for cultural exchange [1] - The theme of the Hong Kong Pavilion is "Walking through Hong Kong: Intangible Heritage and Urban Memory," focusing on the integration of intangible cultural heritage with urban memories to promote cultural and tourism development [1] - The Pavilion will include a "Theme Exhibition Area" displaying various intangible cultural heritage items such as bamboo steamers, Cantonese opera headgear, and Hong Kong-style milk tea making techniques, alongside related publications and printed materials [1] Group 2 - The Hong Kong Pavilion will introduce a new "Spotlight on Hong Kong Writers" exhibition area, featuring over 70 Chinese literary works published in Hong Kong, serving as a promotional event for the upcoming "World Chinese Literature Festival" in October [2] - The "World Chinese Literature Festival" aims to establish a global platform for Chinese literary exchange, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a center for cultural and artistic exchange between China and the world [2] - The Hong Kong Pavilion is organized by the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, with the Hong Kong Publishing Association and the Hong Kong Printers Association as co-organizers [2]