A view of beautiful scenery of paddy rice in Liping in Guizhou province. [Photo by Zhang Xingjian/chinadaily.com.cn]

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"We must firm up our self-confidence in the theory, path and institution with Chinese characteristics. More importantly, we should highlight our cultural confidence because it is a more fundamental, profound and lasting power," said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, during celebrations for the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

"We have every reason to consolidate our confidence in culture, and the key is to be aware of the deep root of our culture that has unique advantages," Senior leader of the CPC Liu Yunshan said, adding that this would help enhance China's soft power, elevating it into a major socialist cultural power.

Now, it really works.

Many villages in China have trail blazed a new trail with a focus on the exploration of cultural resources. A case in point is Liping, a county at the conjunction of Guizhou, Hunan and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region within Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture.

Through fully taking advantage of red culture and Dong culture to boost its tourism, Liping has taken on a new look in recent years.

According to the latest government report, during the Twelfth Five Year Plan (2011- 2015) period, the overall GDP in Liping increased from 3.16 billion yuan ($470 million) to 6.73 billion yuan with an average annual growth rate of 16.3 percent; tourist arrivals increased by 26.2 percent year-on-year from 1.28 million to 2.63 million.

It is also worthwhile noting that the tourism has gained considerable momentum in the first half of this year with an increase of 43.9 percent in tourist receipts over the same period last year.