Expert: Hainan local culture essential to tourism

As the island province of Hainan continues to develop its international tourist industry, one official is reminding people of the importance of preserving the local culture.

Meng Lesheng, vice president of Hainan Tourism Development Research Association and chairman of Hainan Local Culture Research Committee, said cultural elements are essential to building an international travel destination, calling culture the "soul of tourism." He said development cannot be separated from culture.

Hainan's long history dates back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – A.D. 24) when the central government established a military garrison there. Throughout the years, various people have dedicated themselves to protecting and passing down the local cultural heritage. But the recent development of the market economy has deteriorated the cultural environment.

Meng told the story of French scholar Claudine Salmon, who was refused entry to a museum after waiting for three hours. Salmon called it a warehouse of cultural heritage and said it should open on time to properly serve its duty.

Salmon also searched for a charity hospital and foundling home built by the French on Deshengsha Road and North Xinhua Road, but to her dismay, the building was no longer there. No one in the neighborhood knew about it.

Meng said Salmon's cultural awareness and passion are in stark contrast to the indifference of Hainan residents. Raising cultural awareness will help protect the island's history, which in turn will be a boon for its tourism industry, Meng said.