Abstract:
In an attempt to create an entertaining activity that was built upon the cultural inheritance of Hunan province, an innovative idea of “tea banquent” that integrated tea drinking, dining on exquisite cuisines, and appreciating intricate folk art of embroidery emerged on the market recently. To assemble the treasured traditions of Hunan in the activity, the historical “Eight Views of Xiao-Xiang-Hunan Black Tea and Gourmet Banquet” was adopted by Changsha Embroidery Garden. Through spatial design, theme selection, recipe creation, and stage presentation, they formulated a unique program that provided sensual, gastronomical, and cultural entertainment for the customers. The pleasure of integrating tea sipping, food tasting, and embroidery appreciation seamlessly immersed the participants in the cultural inheritance. In such setting, the local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) would be embedded in the customer’s mind and subconsciously passed on to the people and community they encountered later. Likely, as a side effect, the transaction would turn out to be free public relations and advertising that enrich brand recognition and gain marketing advantage on the specialties as well as tourism for Hunan province.