Nanming's cultural souvenirs find favor with tourists

Tourists purchase Guizhou food specialties at Qingyun Market. [Photo/Nanming Integrated Media Center]

As China's National Day holiday came to an end, locally inspired souvenirs emerged as popular purchases among visitors to Nanming district in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province. From ethnic handicrafts to regional delicacies, the products let travelers take home a piece of the city's culture and everyday life.

At Qingyun Market, tourists browsed handmade dolls, refrigerator magnets, postcards, and other creative products before heading home. Liu, a visitor from Henan province, picked out an ethnic-style decorative piece as a gift for her family and another for her living room.

"Unlike ordinary souvenirs, these products reflect the local culture and bring back memories of the trip," she said.

Regional foods were equally popular. Shops around the market drew shoppers looking for rosa roxburghii juice, Guiyang-style fermented chili sauce, and other local specialties. Xu, a visitor from Jilin province, bought rosa roxburghii juice to share with colleagues after developing a taste for the distinctive local product during her stay.

Near Jiaxiu Pavilion, silver jewelry featuring Guizhou ethnic motifs attracted young visitors seeking distinctive yet easy-to-carry keepsakes. Chen, a tourist from Shanghai, chose a silver necklace that blends traditional designs with contemporary style. Bookmarks featuring the landmark, postcards of the Nanming River, and small batik accessories were also popular.

Beyond shopping, the holiday gave visitors a closer look at Nanming's blend of history and contemporary urban life. Zhang, a tourist from Chongqing, returned to Qingyun Market before departure to browse for more creative products. He said the district's historic architecture, lively streets, and local cuisine had made his trip memorable, though he wished he had more time to explore.

The popularity of these products highlights the growing role of cultural creative product consumption in Nanming's tourism sector. Drawing on local traditions, ethnic craftsmanship, and regional flavors, businesses are turning cultural heritage into products that appeal to a wide range of visitors.