Guests

The International Mountain Tourism Day 2026 Theme Events opened on 29 May in Shennongjia, Hubei Province. With the theme "Preserving World Heritage, Sharing the Prosperity of Famous Mountains — Zhiyin Hubei, Mysterious Shennongjia", the gathering brought together representatives from international organizations, foreign embassies and consulates in China, cultural and tourism authorities,, and media professionals from around the world to explore pathways for the coordinated development of ecological protection and cultural tourism. The program featured the Opening Ceremony, the Dialogue among World Famous Mountains 2026, the Investment and Business Meeting for Mountain Culture and Tourism, and a series of other events. Guests participated in various formats, sharing cutting-edge ideas and deepening practical cooperation. Dang Zhen, Vice Chairman of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Events.

The following is the full text of the speech:

As early summer graces Hubei, blanketing our mountains in lush green, it is our great honor to welcome you to the "Roof of Central China." In this vibrant season, we gather in Shennongjia—a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and Global Geopark—to inaugurate the “International Mountain Tourism Day 2026” Theme Events. On behalf of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Hubei Provincial People's Government, I extend my warmest welcome to all distinguished guests, international representatives, industry leaders, and media friends! I also express my heartfelt gratitude to friends from all sectors who have long supported Hubei's ecological conservation efforts and cultural tourism development.

Source: Shennongjia Forestry District Cultural and Tourism Bureau

Since its inception, International Mountain Tourism Day has been dedicated to protecting mountain ecosystems, promoting cultural tourism cooperation, and fostering mutual learning among civilizations. It has grown into a leading and highly influential platform for global exchange. Hosting this grand event in Shennongjia, Hubei, acknowledges our achievements in ecological conservation and cultural tourism while offering a valuable opportunity to learn from the world, forge global partnerships, and pursue sustainable development. Under the theme "Preserving World Heritage, Sharing the Benefits of Famous Mountains: A Grand Gathering in Shennongjia, the Mystical Wilderness of Hubei," this event aligns perfectly with the global trend of green tourism. By highlighting the synergy between ecological conservation and cultural tourism, it is both highly relevant and timely.

Embraced by the Yangtze and Hanshui rivers and surrounded by majestic mountains, Hubei is a convergence of rich cultural heritage. It stands as an ecological haven, a cultural heartland, and a premier tourist destination. As the "Roof of Central China," Shennongjia boasts the best-preserved primeval forests, the richest biodiversity, and the most unique mountain ecosystems at its latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. It serves as a shining example of China's ecological conservation and a living testament to the philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." In recent years, Hubei has thoroughly implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and General Secretary Xi jinping’s important discourses on culture and tourism. Guided by the principles of ecological priority and green development, we are striving to build a world-renowned cultural tourism destination. We are actively developing the "Shen-Wu-Xia" international eco-cultural tourism axis, linking world-class landmarks such as Wudang Mountain, Shennongjia, and the Three Gorges into a cohesive corridor. Through these efforts, we continue to transform our ecological advantages into momentum for sustainable industry.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, mountains connect the world, and tourism builds bridges for cooperation. Taking this opportunity, I would like to share three aspirations:

First, let us protect our ecological home together. We must always prioritize conservation, strictly safeguard our World Heritage sites, and fortify the ecological shield of Central China. By deeply promoting low-carbon and sustainable tourism, we will ensure that our green mountains and clear waters endure for generations to come.

Second, let us foster openness and integration through tourism. Taking this event as a new starting point, we aim to deepen comprehensive cooperation with nations, international organizations, famous mountain destinations, and tourism enterprises. By promoting visitor exchanges, route connectivity, and joint branding, we will help Hubei better engage with the world, and enable the world to better understand Hubei.

Third, let us drive development through cultural integration. We will continue to deeply integrate culture and tourism, vigorously expanding emerging sectors such as mountain sports, eco-wellness, cultural experiences, and educational travel. By building a world-class mountain tourism destination, we hope to offer Hubei’s insights and solutions to the sustainable development of global mountain tourism.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, Hubei is a land that cherishes true friendship. Let us embark together on a new green journey. We are fully committed to providing first-class service, robust logistical support, and a welcoming environment to ensure this grand event is a resounding success. We sincerely look forward to working hand in hand with friends from around the world to safeguard our shared natural heritage, share the dividends of mountain development, and forge a brighter future for global mountain tourism!

In closing, I wish the “International Mountain Tourism Day 2026” Theme Events a complete success! I wish all our distinguished guests a pleasant and memorable stay in Hubei and Shennongjia! Thank you!

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Congxiao

Editor Ⅱ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong