The "Shuai Fu Cup" National Tour Guide Competition just concluded in 2009. This is the highest specification and level of tour guide competition in the cultural and museum sector, with elite representatives sent from various regions. After intense competition, to everyone's surprise, the first place in this competition was won by a contestant from Inner Mongolia. He captivated all the judges and the audience with his rich local characteristics in his explanation. This contestant broke through the traditional requirements of tour guide competitions, using innovative forms to narrate the customs of the Mongolian ethnic group. He first appeared on stage wearing traditional Mongolian attire, and his explanation was accompanied by Mongolian dance and the long tune, an intangible cultural heritage of Mongolia. His performance showcased the ethnic culture and local characteristics through singing and playing instruments. In just six minutes, he vividly presented the profound and unique charm of Mongolian culture. It was precisely his personalized explanation that won him thunderous applause. His success made me reflect; in the past, our explanations always deliberately pursued a commonality, measuring a tour guide's quality by certain specific standards and criteria, and following established patterns to train guides. For example, how are their external conditions, voice conditions, whether they use scientific vocalization, whether they skillfully apply explanation techniques, and whether they explain like some award-winning famous guides, etc. Therefore, we see that most tour guides across the country are quite similar, as if they are mass-produced products from a factory, lacking individuality and local characteristics. Can we not, while pursuing a more standardized explanation method, integrate the essence of local culture into our explanations like this contestant from Inner Mongolia? As a guide at the August 1st Uprising Memorial Museum and a grassroots worker engaged in guide training, I would like to share a few immature thoughts on how to take a path of explanation with Nanchang characteristics.

1. The necessity of Nanchang characteristic content in explanations.

In my long-term work as a tour guide, I have found that guides often focus only on their own field of study. While this is very important for any memorial or museum, it is difficult to adapt to the needs of the times. For a region, it is more necessary to have guides who have a comprehensive understanding of the local history and culture. Guides are the promoters of famous scenic spots and historical sites in various places. The special platform determines the special nature of the work. Broadly speaking, guides are not only promoters of the content of scenic spots, museums, and memorials but also promoters of the historical and cultural heritage of the region they are in. They face audiences from all over the country and even from abroad every day. Visitors come to a region with a certain sentiment and are more willing to understand the local culture and history through the guides. However, the reality is disappointing; the vast majority of guides are only proficient in the historical knowledge related to their own scenic spots. When visitors show interest in other famous sites, they often know nothing about them. In our daily receptions, we often encounter visitors to the August 1st Uprising Memorial Museum who are interested in places like the Tengwang Pavilion or the Shéngjīn Tower. If we can have a comprehensive understanding and respond fluently, visitors will certainly have a deep impression of Nanchang and will be more willing to stay and learn about it. Therefore, it is necessary to have Nanchang characteristic content in explanations. So, what is Nanchang characteristic explanation content? I personally believe it includes unique elements that represent the characteristics of Nanchang, which have unique charm and can express the cultural connotation of Nanchang, such as characteristic scenic spots, local snacks, unique architecture, and distinctive customs. In daily explanations, we can strive in the following three aspects.

1. Keep pace with the times and follow the development of Nanchang. With the development of society and economy, and the acceleration of urbanization, Nanchang's domestic and international recognition is increasing. Especially after the Poyang Lake Ecological Economic Zone centered on Nanchang was elevated to a national strategy, Nanchang has received high attention both domestically and internationally. As a guide for scenic spots in Nanchang, it is necessary to understand national policies, be familiar with the local environment, and grasp Nanchang's development plans and future trends. The Nanchang Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government attach great importance to the mastery of Nanchang characteristic explanations by guides. In February 2010, the Nanchang Municipal Political Consultative Conference and the Municipal People's Congress held meetings successively, arranging for members from various regions to inspect the construction of "Forest City, Garden Nanchang". The Nanchang Municipal Party Committee mobilized 34 outstanding guides from various scenic spots to complete this task. The main task of these 34 guides was to provide explanations during the inspection. After a week of training, I found that these guides had a common characteristic: they were only familiar with the content of their own scenic spots and lacked the collection of relevant Nanchang materials. Faced with such a significant reception, some were caught off guard. These top guides from various scenic spots only mastered the content of their own areas, which far from met the requirements for Nanchang characteristic explanations set by the Municipal Party Committee and Government. As Nanchang's development progresses, such receptions will become more frequent and of higher standards. Therefore, scenic spot explanations must keep pace with Nanchang's development, be updated continuously, and incorporate the latest and best aspects of Nanchang into our explanations. To adapt to the new era's requirements for explanations and better conduct Nanchang characteristic explanations, we, as guides in Nanchang, have the responsibility to promote and publicize Nanchang. Starting now, we should consciously introduce the developing new Nanchang to audiences from various places in our daily explanations. Even a few words can give the audience a better understanding of Nanchang.

2. Love Nanchang and master its cultural history. Nanchang is a historical and cultural city with a profound cultural heritage of over 2200 years, known for its beauty as "the land of treasures and talented people". Nanchang is also a city with a glorious revolutionary tradition, where the People's Army was born, the August 1st military flag was raised, and the "August 1st spirit" was nurtured here. The beautiful scenery of "the setting sun and the lone wild goose flying together, the autumn waters and the long sky blending as one" is presented here. Nanchang is also a picturesque city with rivers and mountains, where the Gan River flows through the city, and the city is interspersed with rivers and lakes, surrounded by lush green mountains, boasting an excellent ecological environment. Nanchang is a modern city that is open and developing, stepping confidently towards the nation and the world under the guidance of the city spirit of "openness and integrity, striving for strength". The beautiful Nanchang attracts visitors from all directions with its unique charm. Nanchang characteristic explanations should not only introduce modern Nanchang but also include the introduction of ancient, green, and red Nanchang. For example, visitors to the August 1st Museum are interested in the August 1st Uprising and military history, but they may not necessarily know about other places in Nanchang. If the guide can introduce the beautiful history, culture, customs, and unique traditions of Nanchang after explaining the exhibits of the August 1st Uprising, through our passionate and vivid explanations, visitors will certainly be more willing to engage with and understand Nanchang. Therefore, the August 1st Uprising Memorial Museum fully realizes the importance of Nanchang characteristic explanation content and has specially set up an exhibition hall to introduce Nanchang, requiring guides to introduce Nanchang in every explanation session, telling the audience about the most representative and unique aspects of Nanchang. Practice has proven that Nanchang characteristic explanations are very popular among visitors.

3. Special explanations highlight the brand of Nanchang city. Cities need to showcase their unique culture and individual charm, which makes a city more cohesive and attractive. With the development of the social economy, the municipal party committee and government have proposed the development strategy of a culturally strong city, refining Nanchang's unique culture and creating the Nanchang city brand. Every city has its own unique endowments and temperament, and possesses its own thematic cultural characteristics. For example, surrounding cities like Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Changsha are all striving to establish their own thematic city culture. When mentioning Hangzhou, people think of the beautiful West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and silk; when mentioning Shanghai, they think of the modern financial center and Chenghuang Temple, etc. Nanchang is also not lacking in uniqueness, with attractions like the August 1st Uprising Memorial Museum, Tengwang Pavilion, and the Eight Great Mountain Man Memorial Museum. However, many visitors from outside perceive Nanchang as a city without characteristics, mainly because they lack understanding of Nanchang or have no interest in learning about it. Therefore, creating a unique Nanchang city brand is imperative. Only by establishing a city brand can Nanchang attract more people and wealth, which is more beneficial for the city's development. Building a city brand not only focuses on hardware improvements, such as creating a unique street, establishing a first-class museum, or developing a cultural theme park, but also emphasizes the enhancement of cultural software. This includes improving the personal taste of city promoters, which involves the training and enhancement of city guides. Nationwide, explanations are often limited to the guides' own museums or scenic spots, and many units do not pay attention to the selection and training of guides, let alone adapt to the city's development to create unique Nanchang explanations. Guides, as promoters of scenic culture, are a window and image of a city, and can even be said to be the city's business card. Many visitors open the door to the city through guides. Therefore, building a city brand includes creating unique guides for Nanchang and conducting special explanations, making Nanchang's unique explanations part of the Nanchang city brand.

2. The importance of Nanchang's unique explanation forms.

In the "Shuai Fu Cup" National Guide Competition, the Inner Mongolia contestant stood out not only due to excellent explanation skills but also because of the diversity of his explanation forms. He boldly incorporated Inner Mongolian cultural elements into his explanations, such as the Morin Khuur, Mongolian clothing, and Mongolian songs and dances, which deeply attracted the audience. Nanchang is also a city rich in historical and cultural heritage, and various forms of expression can be attempted in explanations.

1. Costume decoration and reception etiquette. Almost since the day clothing originated, people have embedded their customs, aesthetic tastes, color preferences, and various cultural mindsets and religious concepts into clothing, forming the spiritual civilization of clothing culture. Reflecting clothing culture in explanations can better interpret cultural characteristics. Nanchang, where the military flag was raised, is a heroic city, and history has endowed this city with a heroic temperament. The August 1st Museum recognizes the influence of clothing, and the guides wear the latest army uniforms. The guides undergo strict military training, showcasing a military temperament that is upright without being arrogant, solemn without being stiff, stylish without being vulgar, and exuding strength in their approachability. The military uniform and the culture of the August 1st Museum are harmoniously unified, and the dashing guides become a beautiful landscape, creating a lasting impression of the heroic city of Nanchang. This, in turn, reflects the cultural characteristics of Nanchang and enhances the city's taste. However, only a few scenic spots in the province recognize the importance of guide attire. For example, the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum has guides in navy uniforms, and the Ruijin Memorial Hall has guides in Red Army uniforms, while many other scenic spots still wear attire that does not coordinate with the cultural theme of the scenic area. Typically, scenic spots require uniform work attire, leading to a lack of uniqueness, as each scenic spot looks the same. Scenic spots seem more inclined to pursue conservative and error-free clothing combinations for safety and reliability. However, culture itself is artistic, and clothing is a silent language that expresses unique cultural characteristics. The enhancement of a scenic spot's individual charm requires the perfection of every detail, among which clothing that represents the scenic spot's cultural elements is crucial. For instance, some neighboring provinces have scenic guides wearing ethnic minority costumes, who are skilled in singing and dancing, and receive visitors with the etiquette of ethnic minorities, leaving a deep impression on tourists. Some may question that Nanchang is not a gathering place for ethnic minorities and lacks such favorable conditions and resources. How can we showcase regional culture through clothing? We say that Nanchang is indeed a city with characteristics. Clothing represents the culture and taste of the scenic area. Why can't we invest a little more in this aspect and hire professional designers to design the guides' attire? Let our guides also become part of the scenic area and an element of unique culture. Take the Eight Great Mountain Man Memorial Museum as an example. The Eight Great Mountain Man, Zhu Da, is the founder of the Chinese freehand painting school and is internationally renowned alongside Van Gogh, being hailed as the Eastern Van Gogh, enjoying fame both domestically and internationally. The Nanchang municipal party committee and government are committed to building this cultural brand, investing 700 million yuan to establish the Eight Great Mountain Man Meihu Scenic Area, which has indeed seen significant improvements in hardware facilities. However, software still needs enhancement. First, guides should have a set of attire that represents this scenic area, refreshing the audience's experience. I personally believe that the attire can incorporate representative paintings of the Eight Great Mountain Man, designing unique clothing that is simple and elegant, with smooth lines, suitable for the overall color scheme of the scenic area, and capable of reflecting the charm of Chinese culture. Personalized clothing is an important feature of enhancing the city's taste. Secondly, guides need professional training and reception etiquette training to form their own explanation style. The guides at the Eight Great Mountain Man Memorial Museum must differ from those at the August 1st Uprising Memorial Museum, as these are completely different styles of explanation. The August 1st Uprising Memorial Museum narrates military history and revolutionary history, with a more robust explanation style that combines softness with strength, displaying a soldier's decisiveness and competence in every gesture. The explanation content must strictly adhere to historical facts, avoiding exaggeration, fabrication, or distortion. In contrast, the Eight Great Mountain Man Memorial Museum narrates the life and works of the Eight Great Mountain Man, focusing on cultural landscapes, allowing for a more graceful explanation style that can be described more artistically. The explanation can also be more imaginative, reflecting the artistic charm of culture, with every gesture displaying elegance, flowing like clouds and water, penetrating the hearts of the audience.

2. Integration of various art forms into explanations. The integration of various art forms means incorporating local songs, dances, operas, and other expressive forms unique to Nanchang into daily explanations. This application is more attractive to the audience, and performances that showcase local customs and cultural characteristics are a special form of expression in the explanation content. The explainers can learn some skills, not seeking perfection but aiming to be competent, not seeking quantity but focusing on performance, combining seriousness and entertainment, flexibly applying according to audience needs, interacting with the audience, and providing artistic enjoyment while promoting education. A good explanation can also be performed well, balancing both aspects, making the explanation more appealing. Currently, there are a few scenic spots in Jiangxi that have such attempts, but they are rare in Nanchang. The Nanchang August 1st Uprising Memorial Museum has made some attempts in this regard, where explainers sing the "August 1st Uprising Song" in authentic Nanchang dialect, creating a great atmosphere during the explanation. The audience receives patriotic education in a very relaxed environment, remembering not only the magnificent history of the August 1st Uprising but also the songs created by the people of Nanchang at that time. From the practical effects, the audience has given rave reviews, with enthusiastic applause after each performance. Additionally, the August 1st Uprising Memorial Museum pays great attention to exploring historical themes, showcasing them in artistic forms to enhance the museum's image, providing a stage for explainers to display their talents, cultivating versatile explainers in multiple dimensions. In 2008, all explainers from the Mass Work Department self-produced and directed a song and dance drama "The First Batch of Female Soldiers in the People's Army," performing successively at the Nanjing Military Region's Fourth Communications Station, the 14th Division of the People's Liberation Army Air Force, and the 73690 Unit of the People's Liberation Army stationed in Nanchang, which was well-received by the officers and soldiers, generating a strong response. Therefore, breaking through traditional thinking, boldly innovating, and adopting various forms of explanation methods, combining knowledge and artistry, integrating advancement and interactivity, the path of Nanchang's characteristic explanations will surely shine.

3. Specialization of training system and training methods

Currently, there is no specialized training institution for explainers in Nanchang. Each scenic spot is also working in isolation, following others' experiences step by step, or sending trainees to training classes for a few days, as long as they can memorize the script, they can go directly to work. This has led to a mixed level of explainers in Nanchang, making it difficult to improve the overall explanation level, which severely affects Nanchang's external image. With the rapid development of Nanchang, especially as the Poyang Lake Ecological Economic Zone rises to a national strategy, in the face of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Nanchang will undoubtedly play a core and leading role. It is imperative to improve the professional level of explainers and have a team of explainers that can represent Nanchang's image. Since 2006, the Nanchang August 1st Uprising Memorial Museum has attached great importance to the scientific training of explainers. Here, I will introduce the training methods and training system of the August 1st Museum, and how to cultivate a team of explainers with the characteristics of the August 1st Museum.

1. How to select explainers

Strict selection of explainers is the first step in cultivating excellent explainers. The specific requirements for explainers at museums and memorials determine that explainers need to have a good image, excellent temperament, a loud and sweet voice, clear articulation, a certain cultural foundation, and preferably have artistic specialties. For example, when selecting college student volunteer explainers, the first step is usually to conduct interviews, starting with self-introductions, then reciting a designated article, and finally giving an impromptu explanation. Generally, after the first round of elimination, we conduct a second round of on-site explanations in the exhibition hall, mainly assessing the candidates' proficiency in the explanation content, their ability to engage with the audience, and their language skills. The final round is a talent showcase. Through comprehensive scoring, we can usually select satisfactory volunteer explainers. The more outstanding ones will be given focused training to reserve backup talent for the memorial. Among the current formal explainers, some have been officially recruited through this pathway.

2. Systematic basic training

Systematic basic training includes voice training, articulation and pronunciation training, explanation skills training, physical training, gesture training, etiquette training, familiarization with explanation content, and practice of basic skills in explanation, as well as understanding the social functions of museums and the importance of exhibition hall explanations.

(1) Preparation before training. The preparation work before training must be sufficient, practical, and comprehensive, mainly including determining the training location, identifying on-site teaching points, establishing a training schedule and course instructors, preparing course materials and books for each trainee, and drafting assessment scoring sheets.

(2) Combining theory and practice in training. A combination of theory and practice is adopted, with a one-on-one model of experienced explainers mentoring newcomers, using advanced multimedia equipment, and combining on-site teaching methods with the content of the August 1st Uprising to quickly train beginner explainers.

(3) Assessment standards and methods for basic training. The basic training period is 15 days, and a unified assessment is conducted after the training subjects are completed. The assessment method involves a unified arrangement for trial explanations, focusing on the basic exhibition content of our museum. Scoring is done according to the assessment sheet. Those who do not pass will undergo further training, while those who pass can be considered for explaining to the audience in the exhibition hall.

(4) Preparation work before taking up the post. New explainers who pass the training assessment and can proficiently master the basic exhibition content of the museum can be arranged to formally receive ordinary visitors after the assessment.

3. In-depth improvement training

The growth of explainers is a gradual process. Junior explainers generally need 5 to 10 years of accumulation and growth to truly mature. The saying goes, "One minute on stage requires ten years of practice off stage." For cultivating mature, knowledgeable explainers, it is difficult to achieve effective results with just a short basic training. The basic training is aimed at newcomers, but the basic training courses far from meet the needs of experienced explainers. Therefore, in-depth improvement training is conducted for experienced explainers. This training course is mainly designed for explainers who have been engaged in explanation work for more than two years.

First, determining the training teachers. In the in-depth improvement training phase, the instructors must meet the following conditions.

1. Have participated in national explanation competitions or received the title of top ten explainers in the province.

2. Have ten years of experience in explanation work.

Second, the arrangement of improvement training courses. The in-depth improvement training courses are fundamentally different from the basic training courses. The content of the improvement training courses includes:

1. How to arrange important explanation tasks

2. How to resolve audience resistance

3. The difference between exhibition hall explanations and competition explanations

4. Writing explanation scripts and precautions

5. Important reception etiquette

6. How to tailor explanations to individuals

7. How to selectively apply explanation techniques

8. How to become an explainer with local characteristics of Nanchang

9. Conditions that mature explainers should possess

10. Overview of Nanchang's scenic spots

11. Learning to sing "August 1st Uprising Song"

12. Talent showcase

Third is on-site teaching. Well-known interpreters in the province demonstrate explanations on-site.

Fourth is to summarize and progress together. All training participants will conduct trial lectures and provide feedback.

4. Daily training.

Our goal is to cultivate a team of interpreters with good image, combat capability, and high comprehensive quality. To become an interpreter capable of undertaking important reception tasks, one needs not only a dignified appearance, elegant demeanor, and beautiful voice, but also comprehensive and rich cultural knowledge. After two phases of basic training and in-depth training, daily training becomes particularly important, mainly to consolidate the results of previous training and learn historical and cultural knowledge. Interpreters need to flexibly apply the knowledge they have mastered in their work, which requires long-term learning and accumulation. In response to this, we have scientifically arranged and coordinated a set of practical and effective training methods. The specific points are as follows:

(1) Daily training mainly adopts a self-study approach. Interpreters teach each other. Topics are chosen by themselves, focusing on the basic exhibition content of our museum, knowledge related to cultural relics, biographies of relevant great figures, and modern Chinese history, etc. Additionally, after determining topics based on needs, specific interpreters are assigned to complete them, such as: "The Origin of Military Ranks", "The Origin of the August 1st Military Flag", "The Origin and Development of the Title of the People's Liberation Army of China", etc. Besides, we regularly arrange for historical experts from the province and teachers from our museum's exhibition department to give lectures. In 2009, we invited teachers Xiao Yanyan and Chen Hongmo from the exhibition department, teacher Tu Junyan from the Party History Office, director Lin Nanhong from the Mass Work Department, and retired experts to give lectures.

(2) Daily training is fixed at 4 PM every Tuesday. The person in charge of training submits a training plan and course schedule every quarter. It is organized and conducted in a reasonable and orderly manner.

(3) Regularly arrange for practical training. A trial lecture is scheduled once every quarter. A museum-wide interpretation competition is held every six months. In 2009, our department held interpretation competitions themed "A Moving Story" and "A Precious Cultural Relic", achieving good results and creating a positive and competitive learning atmosphere within the department, while also enhancing the ability to write interpretation scripts and rapidly improving business levels. Additionally, our department pays great attention to discovering the talents of interpreters and provides a stage to showcase their charm. In 2009, all interpreters in our department self-wrote, directed, and performed the musical "The First Batch of Female Soldiers" and performed it for the troops, receiving unanimous recognition from the officers and soldiers.

(4) Submit learning reflections. Each interpreter is required to complete a learning reflection every half month, summarizing and identifying problems in a timely manner, and sharing learning reflections and interpretation experiences.

(5) A summary meeting is held at the end of each quarter. Evaluate the training work, write training reports, and establish training archives.

5. Other related training.

In addition to the above training, we have developed training plans and conducted on-site drills for emergency issues and unexpected events that may arise during receptions. For example, in 2009, our department conducted a rehearsal for important receptions in rainy and snowy weather, a rehearsal for evacuating the audience during sudden power outages, and a rehearsal for rescuing audiences suffering from heatstroke or heart attacks. In 2009, we welcomed the Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics System Interpretation Competition and the "Shuai Fu Cup" National Interpretation Competition. To achieve excellent results in the competition, we formulated a training promotion schedule based on the competition rules and regulations.

Practice has proven that establishing a strict training system and implementing scientific training methods are very important. This is significant for improving interpretation levels, promoting the rapid growth of interpreters, and shortening the maturation time of interpreters. Interpreters must continuously learn and accumulate relevant professional knowledge, improve their personal theoretical cultivation level, actively participate in various social practice activities, and maintain a good public image to become excellent interpreters.

In summary, as interpreters in the Nanchang area, in addition to undergoing systematic and formal training, they must also learn about the unique culture of Nanchang. Both are indispensable, mutually applicable, and should be flexibly mastered and applied. This will pave a path of Nanchang-style interpretation, keeping pace with the times, making the interpretation in the Nanchang area more distinctive and attractive, and contributing to the construction of Nanchang!