On October 15, a vibrant scene unfolded in Changshanzhuang Village, located in the Ma Muchi Township of Yinan County, Shandong Province. “Comrades, charge!” shouted the “commander,” prompting both actors and visitors to rush out from behind their cover, armed with props like long knives and red-tassel spears, as they energetically stormed toward the “county town.”

This immersive red-themed performance, titled “Following the Commander to Capture the County,” gained immense popularity during the National Day holiday, frequently trending on social media and drawing crowds of enthusiastic participants. This initiative, part of a tourism project developed by the hometown of the Red Sister in Yinan, allows visitors to engage actively in the historical narrative of liberating the county under the guidance of the commander.

According to Yan Bing, head of the Yimeng Four Seasons Art Troupe, the show’s authenticity and local relevance have been key factors in its appeal. The storyline, set during the most arduous phase of the War of Resistance in 1941, showcases a group of passionate young people who volunteer to join the military in the fight for liberation, achieving victory with the support of local citizens, culminating in a joyful celebration between the military and the community.

“The immersive nature of our performances allows audiences to connect deeply with the local history,” Yan explained. “The stories are based on real events that took place right here, enhancing their relatability and emotional impact.”

To elevate the quality of the program following its breakout success, the Yinan County government established a specialized task force to offer support in various aspects, including program refinement, promotion, topics for discussion, and safety measures.

“The traditional approaches to tourism have shifted; visitors now prefer experiences that are interactive and engaging,” Yan noted. “Incorporating elements from the 600-year history of Changshanzhuang Village along with the scenic resources of our ‘Mountain Village Hollywood’ helped us make the performances dynamic and captivating.”

Li Xingbao, a participant from Luozhuang District of Linyi City, shared his excitement. “I played the role of the guard captain in ‘Retracing the Support Route.’ Before this, my understanding of that period was limited. This experience allowed me to connect personally with the historical events and the spirit of sacrifice displayed by those from the old revolutionary areas.”

Established in 2008 by the Nancun Community of Jiekou Street in Yinan County, the Red Sister Hometown Tourism Area has transformed over the past decade into a multifaceted destination, including an ancient county town, a patriotic education base, a red tourism base, a film shooting site, and research-focused facilities. The site has become recognized as “Mountain Village Hollywood,” hosting the production of more than 400 films, including “Yimeng,” “Six Sisters of Yimeng,” “Red Sorghum,” and “Railway Tigers.”

Gao Chunsheng, the director of the tourism area, emphasized that the success of performances like “Following the Commander to Capture the County” and “Retracing the Support Route” reflects years of innovation and the integration of cultural and tourism development.

Yinan County has a profound connection to red culture, with its numerous historical sites. In celebration of the centenary of the Communist Party in 2021, the local government encouraged the development of immersive performances based on red stories, including nearly ten situational dramas such as “Walking with the Communist Party” and “The Women’s Rescue Association.” These performances allow audiences to step into the narrative, fostering a sense of interaction and immersive cultural appreciation.

“Through years of innovative development, we’ve created a new model that combines exhibition and immersive performances to promote the ‘Yimeng Spirit.’ The concept of ‘Red Tourism+’ breathes new life into red culture, making it more engaging and accessible,” Gao concluded.