From stadium to stage: Int'l vloggers fall for Xinyi's dual charms

Blending vibrant energy with tranquil elegance, Xinyi in Maoming City, Guangdong Province, has captivated a group of international vloggers with its dual charms: a lively sports scene and a serene Cantonese Opera culture.

Maoming is a coastal city in western Guangdong. Widely known as China's "Hometown of lychees," it has the world's largest lychee-growing area, accounting for roughly one-fifth of the world's total lychee production.

Nestled in northern Maoming, Xinyi is a picturesque county-level city with a history spanning more than 1,500 years. Bamboo weaving is Xinyi's largest export-driven pillar industry, with products sold to 36 countries and regions across North America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

A highlight of the vloggers' tour was Xinyi Sports Park, a modern public sports landmark that reflects the city's people-centered approach to public services. Covering 10,300 square meters, the complex includes a training hall, a swimming pool, commercial areas, outdoor football, basketball and tennis courts, as well as recreational spaces.

Ukrainian vlogger Alina Ovsiienko praised the city's well-planned development of public sports facilities. "I'm really very impressed because I think the local government really cares about the people here."

"I've seen so many sports venues here. And also, anybody can come here to play, and it's especially good for children. I'm impressed that they also use AI technology to identify whether anyone is near-drowning," she said.

South Korean vlogger Choi Jihye was immediately drawn to the city's sporting atmosphere. "The sports atmosphere here feels really great," she said. "There are trees, mountains, and grass here. It feels very relaxing."

An avid tennis enthusiast, she added, "I usually really want to learn tennis. This time, I got to experience real tennis techniques. Now I kind of want to move here."

Beyond the vibrant sports scene, the traditional charm of Cantonese Opera also left a deep impression on the international visitors. At Heyuan Zhiji Tea House, the vloggers enjoyed an immersive encounter with the intangible cultural heritage in a tranquil garden setting.

American vlogger Krishna Marque Buoy found the experience surprisingly intimate. "This was the best experience, to enjoy it so close," she said. "Rather than like on a big stage where it feels more like a movie, this feels more like I'm part of it, like these people are speaking to me directly. It's a very unique experience."

Drawing a comparison with her own cultural background, she noted that even without understanding the language, audiences can still feel the emotions conveyed through the performers' singing, movements, and expressions. She likened the experience to Italian Opera, noting that although the words may not be understood, the emotion still resonates. "We still feel it," she added.

Reporter | Chen Jinxia

Video & Poster & Photo | Guo Hongda

Li Zhenjie also contributed to the article.

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