BEIJING: Since the beginning of this year, China’s tourism industry has seen an accelerated recovery, with rural tourism increasingly becoming the preferred choice for an increasing number of domestic tourists. Integrating rural tourism with multiple sectors has boosted high-quality development in rural areas.

According to People’s Daily Online, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in China has recently introduced 82 high-quality rural tourism routes throughout the country. These routes showcase unique natural landscapes, seasonal harvests, traditional customs, and daily activities related to the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar.

They provide visitors with new and authentic tourism experiences in rural China and demonstrate a creative approach to the interconnected development of agriculture, culture, and tourism.

In Zhejiang Province, villages like Changning and Getang have introduced activities such as treasure hunting and egg collecting, while Lin’an district in Hangzhou has launched pa
rent-child farming experiences. In Chongqing Municipality’s Guanyin village, visitors can enjoy ancient pathways, rural fairs, tea houses, and lakeside camping, highlighting a model that combines agriculture, culture, tourism, and outdoor activities.

This integrated development model has increased the visibility of local agricultural products and cultural heritage.

Digital platforms are also pivotal in promoting rural tourism. Xiangcheng district in Suzhou has advanced digital development, with over 300 agriculture-related e-commerce enterprises generating 1.1 billion yuan in sales in 2023.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has collaborated with internet platforms to promote digital rural tourism, covering over 20,000 operators and attracting nearly 20 million tourists since 2023.

Source: Emirates News Agency