Hainan seeks global nod for cultural, natural heritages

Hainan province is ramping up efforts to qualify its Hainan Tropical Rainforest and Traditional Settlements of the Li Ethnic Group for inclusion in the World Heritage List, with an emphasis on both protection and economic development.

Lyu Yan, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and deputy head of Baoting Li and Miao autonomous county in Hainan, said the province must safeguard its natural environment while revitalizing its cultural heritage. "We need to protect our lush mountains while revitalizing our intangible cultural heritage," Lyu said. "Beyond protection, we must foster development by using our cultural heritage."

Located in the central and southern parts of the island province, the tropical rainforest centered around Wuzhishan is a sanctuary for endangered species and island-specific flora and fauna. It is also home to the Li people, who have cultivated a distinctive island tribal culture for thousands of years.

In 2022, the Hainan Tropical Rainforest and Traditional Settlements of the Li Ethnic Group were included in the tentative list of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. Authorities are now seeking the prestigious "cultural and natural dual heritage" status.

As of August last year, China has 59 World Heritage sites, including 15 natural heritage sites and four mixed cultural and natural heritage sites.

"The Hainan rainforest is the only habitat of the Hainan gibbon and one of the world's 34 biodiversity hot spots," Lyu said. "It's the most intact continental island-type tropical rainforest in China, with immense ecological value. The Li people have lived here for over 3,000 years. Their boat-shaped houses, Li brocade and the March 3 Festival are like cultural time capsules. These treasures are like family heirlooms — precious to us and worthy of global recognition."

A legal framework for protecting the Li traditional settlements took effect in Hainan in December, giving ancient villages a legal safeguard.

"We must not only protect but also develop and revitalize intangible cultural heritage," Lyu said. "The Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park in Hainan is a prime example, turning Ganza village from a struggling community into a thriving one with annual collective income in the millions."

Baoting Li and Miao autonomous county is an integral part of the heritage bid.

"Baoting will leverage its rich Li and Miao cultural traditions to create a hub for cultural preservation and experience," Lyu said.

"By showcasing the intangible heritage, hosting cultural festivals and developing creative products, we aim to convert ethnic culture into a tourism draw, establishing a model for ecological value transformation and green economic growth," she added.

Lyu outlined plans to advance the heritage bid, including refining application materials, enhancing rainforest ecosystem monitoring and restoration, and promoting Li brocade at Paris Fashion Week and cultural exhibitions overseas. The province also plans to accelerate tourism infrastructure development and train more intangible cultural heritage bearers.

During the two sessions, Lyu called for stronger policy support for the integrated development of ecological and cultural tourism in ethnic regions.

"Despite strides in cultural tourism, ethnic group areas face challenges in meeting high-quality development standards," she said. "Greater efforts are needed to strengthen policy and financial support in this aspect."

She also emphasized the importance of balancing conservation and economic growth.

"Achieving the transformation of lucid waters and lush mountains into valuable assets requires coordinated development of natural and cultural resources," Lyu said.