As long as idioms and history endure, Handan will thrive!

With over 1,584 idioms originating from Handan, the city has rightfully earned its reputation as the "Capital of Chinese Idioms."

In recent years, the surge of "cultural tourism" has become a major force driving the development of Handan's cultural and tourism sectors. By focusing on idioms as a rich cultural resource, Handan has created a distinctive idiom-centered identity, embedding itself as the "City of Idioms" in the hearts of both locals and visitors.

This National Day holiday, Handan attracted over 7.9 million tourists. Popular sites such as Daming Ancient City saw a 488.72% year-over-year increase in visits, welcoming 783,000 visitors, while Guangfu Ancient City hosted 769,000 visitors, a growth of 264.46% from the previous year.

What lies behind Handan's growing reputation as a cultural destination? Let's explore how this historic city is using idioms to preserve its heritage, tell compelling stories, and foster tourism.

Idioms Beyond the Classroom: Alive in Streets and Markets

Just how deeply does idiom culture permeate Handan? A stroll through the city offers a glimpse into its rich history.

Driving through Handan with a mobile map reveals markers for famous idiom sites such as Congtai Park, home to the "Archer in Hu Dress" legend, and Xuebu Bridge, symbolizing "Learning to Walk in Handan." This "Handan Idiom Map," developed in collaboration with Baidu, allows visitors to navigate to idiom sites with a simple tap, arriving effortlessly at locations rich with cultural stories.

Throughout Handan's streets, idiom-inspired sculptures, stone carvings, calligraphy, and plaques abound. In Zhaoyuan Park alone, over 100 idioms are inscribed by renowned calligraphers on stones, pavilions, and doorways.

As night falls, Longhu Park's walking street transforms as idiom light displays illuminate the sky. Phrases like "Home to all," "Rescuing Zhao by Encircling Wei," and "Learning to Walk in Handan" shimmer against the night, creating a dazzling "Galaxy of Idioms" set against the city's modern skyline.

Seamlessly blending ancient wisdom with a vibrant modern pulse, Handan brings idioms to life as tangible expressions woven into daily life. This distinctive cultural identity has become an inviting gateway for more people to discover Handan.

Idioms Beyond Books: Innovating Tourism with Immersive Experiences and Products

How can idioms, often confined to textbooks, reach a broader audience in the digital age? Handan has responded by creating innovative products and immersive experiences that bring idioms to life, enhancing the impact of cultural tourism through new idiom-themed destinations and products.

In Ci County, the 1,000-acre FantawildOriental Legend Park captivates visitors with attractions inspired by idiom stories. For example, the myth of "Nüwa Mending the Sky" is recreated with a scenic ride that lets guests experience the story firsthand. "I never imagined I could teach my children idioms in such a fun way at an amusement park," remarked a visitor from Sichuan, delighted by the park's mix of education and entertainment.

The park also features immersive attractions based on idioms, such as "A Dream of Golden Millet" and "Hitting the Mark Every Time." These installations turn idioms into vivid, interactive experiences that immerse visitors in idiom culture.

In addition, Handan has transformed idioms into finely crafted souvenirs, enabling tourists to bring a piece of "Handan Idioms" home. Local museums showcase a wide range of idiom-themed creations, from jewelry and home goods to decorative art. By developing these unique products, Handan is leveraging its identity as the "City of Idioms" to drive tourism and support local artisans.

Idioms Beyond the Page: Digital Innovation for Immersive Storytelling

As digital technology opens new pathways for cultural expression, Handan is embracing interactive, high-tech experiences to engage a global audience.

On the second floor of the Handan Museum, the digital idiom gallery welcomes guests with a virtual host, Handandan, a friendly guide dressed in ancient attire. Handandan is equipped with a vast database and the ability to rapidly learn new information, engaging young visitors in wordplay and idiom games. In another section, visitors can transform themselves into comic characters and participate in idiom stories, creating their own unique keepsake.

In the historical area of Huichexiang, young visitors dressed in traditional attire snap "photos" with famous historical figures like Lin Xiangru, which appear as augmented reality on their phone screens. Through advanced AR technology, these interactive idiom scenes allow visitors to step directly into history. By scanning a code to download an app, tourists can navigate ancient streets and see idioms come to life as vivid, virtual displays.

Meanwhile, dazzling light shows and live performances provide a feast for the senses. This National Day, Guangfu and Daming ancient cities captivated audiences with light shows powered by cutting-edge technology. Other unique events included a live reading of Cao Cao's poetry in Linzhang County, and a suspenseful stage play, Judge Di Gong, which merged theatrical elements with interactive set design for a one-of-a-kind experience.

A Journey from "Going Viral" to Sustainable Tourism: What Lies Ahead for Handan?

Handan is a city where history and modernity seamlessly converge. Bustling streets, sleek skyscrapers, and ancient landmarks coexist, while green spaces and public cultural amenities reflect a contemporary vibe alongside the city's rich heritage. In local parks, residents practice tai chi, play guqin music, and write in ancient scripts on the pavement, demonstrating how deeply Handan's cultural legacy is interwoven with daily life.

However, Handan's cultural ambitions extend beyond local fame. At the recent Tourism Development Conference, the Handan Municipal Government reaffirmed its goal to become a nationally renowned tourism city. With a focused strategy centered on idioms, Handan aims to develop its brand with sustained, coordinated, and intensified efforts to attract both national and international recognition.

Building a "tourism brand" requires more than popularity; it calls for a harmonious blend of preservation, creativity, and policy support. Success hinges on thoughtful integration of online appeal with vibrant in-person experiences, cultivating a welcoming environment, and enhancing the visitor experience. By deepening its cultural tourism offerings, Handan seeks to foster an authentic city identity that resonates with depth and character.

As the "City of Idioms," Handan stands poised to share the rich heritage of ancient China in a compelling new way. The city's future lies in its ability to bridge traditional culture with modern narratives, bringing a refreshed vitality to a proud legacy that has endured for millennia.