Wudang promotes itself in Sanya

Performers of Wudang Martial Arts demonstrate their skills. [Photo/wudangshan.gov.cn]

Delegates address crowds at the tourism promotion fair. [Photo/wudangshan.gov.cn]

The first ever Chinese vessel and crew to win a stage in the Volvo Ocean Race's 41-year history – Dongfeng Race Team - arrived in Sanya, Hainan province to a warm welcome on Feb 5, as a ceremony was held to hail their achievement.

The ceremony was attended by officials from the Sanya government, Wudang Mountains and Shiya city (Hubei province), as well as leaders of the Dongfeng Volvo Company. The Wudang Matrial arts team was on hand to kick-off the proceedings with an arousing display of martial arts moves. During the ceremony, Li Faping, director of the Wudang Mountains Administrative Committee, made a speech in which he introduced the Wudang Mountains tourism industry and made tourism promotions to participants.

The Volvo Ocean Race is an around-the-world yacht race held every three years. Originally named after its initiating sponsor, British Whitbread brewing company, today it carries the name of its current sponsor, the Swedish automobile manufacturer Volvo. Sanya is the only Asian stopover in the race and is also home to the Chinese "Dongfeng Race Team."

Meanwhile, a four-day tourism promotion fair was officially started at the event. Liu Jianping, deputy director of the Wudang Mountains Administrative Committee, introduced the development of Wudang Mountain's tourism industry and tourism policies. With the signing of the intentional cooperation agreement with Kangtai Travel Agency from Hainan province, Liu said that Wudang Mountains would learn from the experience of Hainan province in the tourism industry – the most popular destination among tourists in the region - and develop Wudang Mountains with a global perspective to promote the upgrade of its industry.

The administrative committee has to-date set up 17 Wudang Wushu branches in France, German, Italy, and Switzerland. The Wudang Martial Arts Troupe has visited over 33 countries and regions, has represented China in the Russia Military Music Festival in 2014 and gave a performance at the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China.

With the strong support of the Shiyan government in recent years, Wudang Mountains has experienced a smooth transition in developing itself into a world class destination, promoting the brand of "Wudang" and popularizing the Wudang culture and Chinese culture to the world.

Contributed by Li Chengsheng, Zhang Zhen, Jiang Yuanbo and Chen Qing.