Hainan just attacked Hawaii in Norway indirectly as a travel, tourism and cultural destination saying it rivals Hawaii. Years ago Hainan stole Hawaii Tourism Logo and Hawaii’s response was to just change the official Hawaii logo.
The trade war in tourism between the USA and China may have officially started China Style, through Culture and a soft approach in the backroom. The backroom is Oslo, Norway. when the outspoken Hainan Tourism Board last week, citizens in Oslo, capital of Norway, felt the enthusiasm and charm of Hainan Island, China.
The event, organized by the Publicity Department of CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, “Hainan Culture Enters Norway” was held in Oslo, during which 80 pictures, songs and dances reflecting the customs of Hainan ethnic groups, and Li Brocade performance were given rapturous applause by all the guests.
Along with the song To the End of the Earth, the event was opened. Mr. Sigmund Jaang, senior advisor of National Theater of Norway, extended warm welcome to cultural exchange mission from Hainan at the opening ceremony. He was more than willing to promote the corporation and exchanges between Hainan and Norway in such fields as culture, art and sports, and he also hoped that Hainan cultural exchange mission would send regards from Norwegians to Hainan.
Beautiful patterns were made by using natural dye and weft knife. When watching the Li Brocade performance, guests took pictures to record this amazing traditional folk art. Norwegians are especially interested in weaving. Particularly in northern Norway, woven socks, scarfs etc. are quite welcome.
Local Professor Erna tried on the Li Brocade clothes and said that wonderful singing and dancing as well as Li Brocade performance helped them understand that Hainan boasted both beautiful natural scenery and humanistic connotation worth discovering.
Leaves of rubber tree are very common in Hainan. All the guests were curious about and showed appreciation to the fact that performers blew the leaves of the rubber tree to play Chinese songs as An Auspicious Day. The sound played of nose flute is pleasant and enchanting, and this instrument is quite refreshing. Mr. Sigmund has never been to Hainan, but he knew the scenery of Hainan rivals Hawaii. He looked forward to visiting Hainan someday. Significant is, these words were circulated to the global media by Chinese trade authorities.
The following attracted much attention of citizens in Oslo: outdoor activities shown in the picture exhibition such as biking in the paddy fields, cliff views of golf courses and canyon rafting in Wuzhishan Nature Reserve, as well as the rural scenery in Hainan tourism promotional film.
Youle, a young Norwegian man, is a fan of China. He said that many of his friends from Hainan recommended this beautiful place to him. Hainan, located at 18 degrees north, is rather attractive to him, and he looked forward to visiting Hainan in the near future.
Li Xiaoling, secretary general of Norwegian Chinese Association, said that Hainan has been making great efforts to develop and pilot free trade zones and free trade ports with Chinese characteristics. She expected to promote the exchanges and cooperation between Hainan and Norway in such fields as economy, trade, culture and education with the help of local Chinese.