On November 5–6, 2026, the themed photography and cultural promotion event, “Discovering the Ancient Shu Road by Water: Autumn Colors Paint a Picture of Cangxi,” was held in Cangxi County, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province. Photographers from China and around the world gathered along the banks of the Jialing River to capture Cangxi's rich revolutionary heritage, intangible cultural heritage, breathtaking natural scenery, industrial development, and ancient calligraphic stone carvings. Through their lenses, they documented the county's thousand-year-old cultural legacy and picturesque landscapes.
The photographers' first stop was the Red Army Ferry–Mount Xiwudang Scenic Area, one of the best vantage points for panoramic views of Cangxi. Here, a monument commemorating revolutionary history stood against a backdrop of magnificent mountains and rivers, creating striking images that blended historical significance with natural beauty.
The group then visited Yuloulan, where they explored several representative forms of intangible cultural heritage, including Wuma paper-cutting, Yuanba bamboo-shell painting, Qiping silk tapestry weaving, and Cangxi root carving. They also listened to local inheritors share the stories and craftsmanship behind these traditional art forms.
At Lixian Lake Wetland Park, a series of folk performances brought the county's vibrant cultural traditions to life. These included Yuanba lion dances, pear-blossom dragon dances, Lijiang stilt walking, and traditional Cangxi lantern opera. The photographers eagerly captured the performances, documenting the region's rich folk culture. From intricate handicrafts to lively traditional performances, Cangxi's intangible cultural heritage offered a wealth of captivating photographic subjects.
Greek photographer George expressed his admiration, saying, "It was wonderful to witness the handmade process of this traditional artwork. These women are incredibly talented artists. Watching them weave silk tapestries was fascinating and beautiful. I really enjoyed the experience."
Canadian photographer Bai Jing also shared her impressions: "Cangxi is a very beautiful place, and the people who live here are fortunate to call it home. I find its intangible cultural heritage fascinating and am particularly interested in learning more about it."
The photographers also visited the Ziyun Industrial Park in Cangxi, where they toured Guangyuan Shuzhiheng Footwear Co., Ltd. and Cangxi Feidian Eyewear Co., Ltd. They photographed the companies' production facilities and witnessed the county's industrial development firsthand.
At Xunle Shuyan, they explored the artistic beauty of calligraphic inscriptions carved into stone grottoes dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Together, the wetland ecosystem, industrial vitality, and cultural heritage presented a multifaceted portrait of Cangxi through the photographers' lenses.
As these images of Cangxi are captured and shared with audiences around the world, "The Ancient Shu Road by Water: Cangxi in Pictures" is becoming more than just a promotional slogan—it is emerging as a new calling card introducing Cangxi to the world.
Looking ahead, Cangxi County will continue to develop this cultural tourism brand by establishing a comprehensive approach that connects photographic creation, international communication, and tourism development. Through these efforts, the county aims to attract more visitors, inspire more people to discover its unique appeal, and bring Cangxi from relative obscurity to greater international recognition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fvPpM2VyAM
(By Liu Min and Wang Tao)
