At the 122nd session of the UN World Tourism Organization’s Executive Council held in Colombia on November 15, 2024, the list of “Best Tourism Villages” for 2024 was announced. Seven villages from China—Azeke Village in Yunnan, Guanyang Village in Fujian, Shibadong Village in Hunan, Taoping Village in Sichuan, Xiaogang Village in Anhui, Xitou Village in Zhejiang, and Yandun Corner Village in Shandong—were selected, bringing China’s total to 15. Notably, China leads with the highest number of entries among the participating countries, with a total of 48 villages from 24 countries recognized this year.
The seven selected villages showcase strong representativeness in terms of geography, culture, and development models, vividly illustrating the achievements of rural tourism development in China.
Geographic and Cultural Diversity
Geographically, these villages span across eastern, central, and western China, featuring diverse landscapes including plateaus, hills, plains, and coastal islands.
Culturally, they encompass a variety of ethnic representations, including Tibetan, Qiang, Hakka, and Hani cultures, highlighting the diverse and unified nature of Chinese civilization.
In terms of development models, these villages exemplify the successful practices of preserving Chinese civilization, notable achievements stemming from reform and innovation, and compelling stories of turning ecological resources into economic benefits.
Overview of the Selected Villages
- Azeke Village (Yunnan Province)
Located in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Azeke Village is situated at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Hani Rice Terraces. Here, villagers have developed an ecological resource utilization model that integrates forest, water systems, villages, and terraces, creating a sustainable lifestyle and cultural expression that thrives in harmony with nature. - Guanyang Village (Fujian Province)
Located in Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, Guanyang Village is a cultural hub for Tulou architecture, Minnan culture, and Hakka culture. The village has revitalized its traditional earthen buildings by enhancing internal environments and public spaces, integrating leisure activities and breathing new life into related traditional performing arts and crafts. - Shibadong Village (Hunan Province)
This village in Huayuan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, became a model for “targeted poverty alleviation” in 2013, now serving as a window into the development of China’s modern rural areas. Shibadong leverages its unique natural resources and cultural experiences, such as Miao embroidery, to drive new momentum for rural development through cultural tourism integration. - Taoping Village (Sichuan Province)
Situated in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Taoping Village is known for its distinctive watchtowers and traditional dwellings, making it a key site along the ancient Tea Horse Road. Its rich cultural heritage and folk customs attract both domestic and international tourists, with rural tourism serving as a vital means of promoting ethnic exchanges and integration. - Xiaogang Village (Anhui Province)
Recognized as a birthplace of rural reform in China, Xiaogang Village embodies the spirit of hard work and innovation. The village revitalizes intangible cultural heritage like Fengyang Flower Drum while establishing a “Household Contract” memorial museum to share stories of China’s rural reform journey and social changes over the past 40 years. - Xitou Village (Zhejiang Province)
Located in Longquan City, Xitou Village is a center for the production of Longquan celadon and hosts one of the world’s largest living ancient dragon kiln clusters. The village has developed new business models around celadon culture, including workshops for traditional crafts, educational programs, and homestays, alongside cultural festivals that celebrate ceramic arts. - Yandun Corner Village (Shandong Province)
Home to Asia’s largest wintering habitat for swans, Yandun Corner features traditional coastal residences known as “seaweed houses,” recognized as living examples of China’s ecological architecture. The village harmonizes its natural resources and rural tourism, showcasing sustainable development and the coexistence of humans and nature.
Conclusion
The inclusion of these seven villages not only highlights the diverse cultural landscapes of China but also underlines the country’s commitment to sustainable rural development and tourism. As these villages become recognized on an international stage, they represent the efforts of the Chinese government and local communities to enhance rural economies and preserve cultural heritage.