The horse-racing event in Yangquan is a tradition from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Yangquan, a city steeped in industrial history and culture, is undergoing a significant transformation. Once reliant on a resource-based economy, the city is now pioneering innovation by merging its cultural legacy with cutting-edge technology to drive high-quality development.

At the heart of this transformation is the 1947 Yangquan Memory Museum. The former Yangquan Water Pump Factory, once an industrial giant turned "urban rust spot", has been revitalized into a vibrant cultural hub. Covering 230,000 square meters, the museum features immersive theaters and art installations, making it a popular landmark among both residents and tourists.

Yangquan is using its rich cultural heritage, such as its horse-racing tradition from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and integrating it with modern technology. This traditional event, held in Xiadongzhai village, is now broadcasted globally via a smart tourism platform, allowing audiences worldwide to experience its charm.

The city also hosts an annual folk culture festival, showcasing traditional crafts like Pingding carved porcelain and black-glazed ceramics. By utilizing platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou, artisans live-stream their crafting processes, expanding their reach and boosting sales.

Yangquan's transformation reflects its deep insight into the "industrial heritage +" model, infusing vacated industrial spaces with cultural elements.

By making better use of red cultural tourism, Yangquan is turning revolutionary memories into developmental momentum, forging a unique path of cultural tourism integration and development.