The Ningguta exile tourism project has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
A unique tourism experience is being introduced in Heilongjiang Province, China, where tourists can walk the grueling, difficult routes of former exiles while wearing handcuffs and prisoner uniforms, according to South China Morning Mail.
In a bid to boost tourism and revenues, the project, which is scheduled to start in December, has sparked much discussion on Chinese social media. It is hoped that this creative package will significantly increase tourist numbers and revenues.
According to S.C.M.P., Located in southeastern Heilongjiang, the city of Mudanjiang was home to Ningguta, an ancient military city and one of the most famous exile sites. Historical records show that during the Qing Dynasty (1644), more than 1.5 million people were exiled to Ningguta for serious crimes. -1911).
Many prisoners had to make long, grueling journeys, with many dying along the way, while survivors were often enslaved by local officials. Ningguta achieved modern fame through the popular historical drama Empresses in the Palace, in which Emperor Yongzheng exiled his consort’s family there.
This experience of centuries-old punishment has received widespread attention on mainland social media.
“I can’t wait to go to Ningguta this winter and take a ‘prisoner walk,’” one Weibo online observer wrote expectantly. It sounds like a great way to relieve tension.
“It’s a creative way to promote local history and culture that appeals to young people,” said another.
There are also conflicting views: “Many intellectuals and patriots were forcibly expelled from Ningguta, a tragic location in ancient China.” This behavior is insensitive to that traumatic past.