Envoys from 11 countries to China and their spouses visit Luniao town in Zhejiang province on Dec 29 and 30. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Envoys to China and their spouses from 11 countries including North Macedonia, Argentina, Sri Lanka, and Egypt, visited Luniao town, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Dec 29 and 30.

During the trip, guests experienced local intangible cultural heritage like Aoyu fish lantern craftsmanship, and traditions for the upcoming Spring Festival including writing couplets and making rice cakes.

A local legend in Luniao town is that during the Three Kingdoms (220-280) period, General Ling Tong helped the Emperor Sun Quan escape the scene of defeat during a battle. Outnumbered by the enemy, just as Ling was about to jump into the river out of loyalty, a giant fish carried him away and saved him.

The legend has since become celebrated by the making of lanterns in the shape of Aoyu, a mythical fish with the head of a dragon, and dancing to pray for good harvests and prosperity during Spring and Lantern festivals. Aoyu lanterns are now recognized as a form of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.

"I had seen these lanterns on short videos before. They are stunning and unique. The dance performance was amazing," said Nalika Kodikara, minister counselor at the embassy of Sri Lanka in China.

In recent years, Luniao town has been focused on improving its honey pear sector, and now grows the fruit cultivation on 533 hectares, producing 14,500 tons a year.

At the town's food production, education and research center, the guests tried their hand at making pear-syrup candy, and some participated in a livestreaming sales event.

They also visited private guesthouses, as rural retreats have become a feature of local cultural tourism. There are now 290 certified guesthouses and farm stays in Luniao, more than 80 classified as district-level featured guesthouses or higher.

"We are working hard to build a rural night economy by organizing events, such as a countryside music festival and night parties, providing an array of entertainment options, including live music, camping, fireworks display, and board games, making visitors feel right at home," said Zha Huijuan, host of the Meilu Shanju guesthouse.

Apart from Luniao town, the group also visited the headquarters of cosmetics brand Proya and silk brand Wensli in Hangzhou.