Yungang Grottoes boosts English language services

The Yungang Grottoes, a renowned UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, has seen a steady increase in international visitors following the relaxation and optimization of China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy. To better serve the influx of global tourists, the scenic area administration has enhanced English training for its frontline staff.

"I felt the service at Yungang Grottoes was very attentive. The staff's English explanations helped me understand Chinese culture better," said 26-year-old Anthia Flerianou, a visitor from Greece.

"Visiting here has been incredibly fortunate. My guide's explanations have brought so much insight into Buddhist teachings," she added.

Dating back 1,600 years, the Yungang Grottoes is one of China's largest cave complexes. The site features a blend of artistic elements from India, Central Asia, Greece and Rome. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, it stands as a testament to historical cultural exchange.

On Jan 26, the Yungang Research Institute launched an English training program for front-line staff, including tour guides, security personnel, cleaners, ticketing staff and workers at other key positions. This initiative aims to enhance the site's ability to accommodate international visitors.

Hang Kan, director of the institute, emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the site.

"Yungang Grottoes is a historical chronicle carved in stone. We have a duty to protect, research, exhibit and pass it on," he said.

The training program focuses on practical English skills regarding dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment. The curriculum integrates real-life scenarios to enhance the practical application of English, ensuring that front-line staff can engage in basic daily conversations with foreign visitors.

"Besides regular classroom lectures, we arranged on-site interactive activities to make the training more engaging," said Wen Lili, head of the institute's visitor services department.

"We started with basic English vocabulary, designing 45-minute courses to ensure employees of all ages and backgrounds can keep up. Through gradual and consistent learning, we aim to improve our workers' English proficiency and communication skills," Wen said.

Looking ahead, Wen mentioned plans to provide multilingual brochures, signage and audio guides, alongside continued English training sessions. "We aim to organize more diverse and comprehensive English learning activities, continuously enhancing the international service level of the site," she said. "It will inject new vitality into our goal of becoming a globally recognized cultural tourism destination."

After the training, participants returned to their roles with newfound skills. Zhou Hui, a front desk customer service representative, said: "The training gave me a new perspective on the practical use of tourism English. The content was very down-to-earth and useful."

In 2024, Yungang Grottoes welcomed 4.42 million visitors. The scenic area implemented an online real-name reservation system starting Jan 1, eliminating on-site manual ticket sales.

To protect the site and enhance visitor experience, daily visitor capacity is capped at 46,000.

Ma Jingbo contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn