The International Mountain Tourism Day 2026 Theme Events opened on 29 May in Shennongjia, Hubei Province. With the theme "Preserving World Heritage, Sharing the Prosperity of Famous Mountains — Zhiyin Hubei, Mysterious Shennongjia", the gathering brought together representatives from international organizations, foreign embassies and consulates in China, cultural and tourism authorities,, and media professionals from around the world to explore pathways for the coordinated development of ecological protection and cultural tourism. The program featured the Opening Ceremony, the Dialogue among World Famous Mountains 2026, the Investment and Business Meeting for Mountain Culture and Tourism, and a series of other events. Guests participated in various formats, sharing cutting-edge ideas and deepening practical cooperation. Zheng Li, Secretary of the CPC Committees of Shennongjia Forestry District and Shennongjia National Park Administration, delivered a speech at the 2026 Dialogue among World Famous Mountains.
The following is the full text of the speech:
It is early summer, when all living things thrive. On this pleasant day filled with lush foliage and exuberant energy, we gather here in Shennongjia, known as the Roof of Central China, for the Dialogue among Famous Mountains in the World. On behalf of the CPC Shennongjia Forestry District Committee, the Shennongjia Forestry District Government, and all residents of the district, I wish to extend the warmest welcome to all leaders, guests, and international friends who have traveled from afar! I also wish to express my most sincere gratitude to friends from all sectors who have long cared about and supported the conservation and development of Shennongjia!
Shennongjia
Source: Shennongjia Forestry District Cultural and Tourism Bureau / Xie Penggao
A lofty mountain stands tall, with its millennia-old cultural heritage enduring. Shennongjia derives its name from Emperor Yan Shennong, the ancestor of the Chinese nation, who built ladders here to gather herbs. It is also famed for the mysteries of wild men and the playful troupes of golden monkeys. This place is home to six world-class accolades: UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, Global Geopark, World Best Protected Area, Wetland of International Importance, and International Cittaslow. It also boasts six national-level titles: National Nature Reserve, National Forest Park, National Geopark, National Wetland Park, National Ecological Civilization Demonstration Zone, and National AAAAA Tourist Attraction. Stepping into the hidden wonders of Shennongjia and gazing out at rolling green mountains, we behold a vivid panorama of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Shennongjia
Source: Shennongjia Forestry District Cultural and Tourism Bureau
Ecological conservation achievements fully demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and commitment. In recent years, Shennongjia has thoroughly applied Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, advancing ecological conservation, cultural-tourism integration, transformative development, and improvement of people's well-being in a coordinated manner. The pathways for implementing the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" have been steadily expanded. Ecological tourism is thriving, with visitor numbers hitting record highs and tourism revenue growing steadily. The Shen-Wu-Xia cultural-tourism development axis is sped up, and the brand "An Ecological Kingdom: The Legacy of Shennong" is gaining increasing influence. Lucid waters and lush mountains are translated into invaluable assets at an accelerated pace.
Shennongjia
Source: Shennongjia Forestry District Cultural and Tourism Bureau / Tang Wanyu
A declaration has been released, and wisdom has been pooled from all sides. This morning, Shennongjia was awarded the title of “World Famous Tourism Mountain” by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and the Shennongjia Declaration was officially issued. We will cherish this honor dearly, uphold the purposes of the IMTA, and draw on the insights shared at the Dialogue among Famous Mountains in the World. We will fully advance the Four Major Initiatives: Improving biodiversity conservation, enhancing all-place and all-season tourism capacity, elevating standards for green and low-carbon development, and boosting progress toward common prosperity. We will strive to build a benchmark for ecological civilization, and make greater contributions to Hubei's endeavor to develop into a world-renowned cultural and tourist destination and secure decisive progress in building the strategic pivot.
Shennongjia
Source: Shennongjia Forestry District Cultural and Tourism Bureau / Jiang Yong
Memorable is this encounter, endearing are these landscapes. Shennongjia is blessed with pristine nature. We sincerely invite you to wander across mist-shrouded Dajiuhu Lake, ascend Shennong Peak amid a vast sea of clouds, explore Tiansheng Bridge with cascading waterfalls and gurgling springs, and immerse yourselves in the ethereal charm and hidden beauty of Shennongjia's mountains and waters. We will deliver warm, thoughtful services and thorough, meticulous support to join you in embracing this wonderful journey: "Zhiyin Hu Bei, the Mysterious Shennongjia".
Wish this event a complete success! May all of you enjoy good health and every success! Thank you all!
Unless otherwise credited, all text and images are sourced from: International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA)
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Congxiao
Editor Ⅱ: Zhang Wenwen
Editor Ⅲ: Zhang Yijing