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NINGXIA: Ningxia in central western China is one of the least developed provinces in the country. But its rugged and rustic landscape is the perfect backdrop for something more dramatic and lucrative.
A frontier fortress during the Ming and Qing dynasties, aimed at deterring bandits and aggression, is now a major tourist attraction and a hugely successful money-making vehicle.
The life during the Qing dynasty is reflected in the streets, complete with traditional handicrafts and mouth-watering goodies. And for something more contemporary, the recreation of a township during the Cultural Revolution is something to look out for.
Apart from purchasing paintings and sayings of Chairman Mao, there is an option to dress up as one of the revolutionary red guards.
Located 30 kilometres north of the provincial capital Yinchuan, the Western Film Studio is also used as a location for movies, such as the Red Sorghum, depicting the landscape and culture of western China.
"It is unimaginable how something so simple and crude can look so beautiful in the movies," said Zhang Xihua, a tourist.
Another tourist, Liu Lixiang, said: "Apart from stories related to the movies, I also learnt a lot about Chinese history."
The project is the brainchild of well-known Chinese writer-turned-entrepreneur Zhang Xianliang. Author of several works, including Half of Man Is Woman, Zhang has effectively capitalized on the historical nostalgia among his people.
Mr Zhang said: "I want to convey to people that what's most precious are the things that are vanishing or had vanished.
"China went through urbanization and there was massive tearing down and rebuilding. I used the opportunity to purchase vast quantities of Ming dynasty furniture and items, as people were discarding them away like rubbish. So it was very cheap then."
As one of the poorest provinces, Ningxia hopes that innovative and creative projects like these will help raise revenue for the local government coffers.
This is in line with recent government efforts to develop China's growing cultural industry, especially in the areas of animation, digital content, and cultural innovation.
As Zhang Xianliang indicated, walking into this time capsule and preserving the past can clearly be a ticket to ensuring prosperity, at least for the present.
- CNA/sc
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