Controversial exile tourism

A new tourism project has recently sparked widespread debate online.

Set to launch this December, the Jingpo Lake Scenic Area in Mudanjiang, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, will introduce a historical tourism experience called "Exile to Ningguta".

The project aims to recreate the experience of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) exile system, allowing visitors to wear shackles, dress in prisoner attire, and participate in an immersive "exile journey".

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Some people see it as a creative way to leverage local resources for promoting cultural tourism.

The project cleverly ties in with the popular period drama Empresses in the Palace (2011), where a significant storyline involves exile to Ningguta, an ancient military town. Fans of the show may find this project a captivating way to step into the drama's world.

However, critics warn that tourism should avoid trivializing historical suffering.

In a recent comment, People's Daily expressed support for innovative cultural tourism projects that engage modern audiences, but emphasized the importance of respecting core cultural values and treating historical themes with sensitivity.