Seven Chinese Villages Recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Organization
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Seven villages across China have been honored as Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in its 2024 selection, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The announcement, made during a UN Tourism meeting in Cartagena, Colombia, adds Azheke Village (Yunnan), Guanyang Village (Fujian), Shibadong Village (Hunan), Taoping Village (Sichuan), Xiaogang Village (Anhui), Xitou Village (Zhejiang), and Yandunjiao Village (Shandong) to the prestigious list. These latest additions bring China’s total recognized villages to 15, making it the leading country in this category.
Geographical and Cultural Representation
Spanning China’s eastern, central, and western regions, the honored villages reflect the diversity of the country’s geography, culture, and rural development models. Their inclusion highlights China’s significant progress in rural tourism and sustainable development.
Key Highlights:
- Azheke Village, Yunnan: Located in the UNESCO-listed Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, Azheke embraces collective participation in tourism, blending traditional life with shared prosperity.
- Shibadong Village, Hunan: The birthplace of “targeted poverty alleviation,” Shibadong has transformed from poverty to a global showcase of China’s rural revitalization efforts.
- Xiaogang Village, Anhui: Known as the starting point of China’s rural reform, Xiaogang now stands as a symbol of the country’s modernization journey.
Global Recognition
The UNWTO launched the Best Tourism Villages initiative in 2021 to honor rural communities excelling in preserving cultural heritage, landscapes, and traditions while fostering sustainable development.
This year’s recognition underscores China’s commitment to rural revitalization through tourism, highlighting the vital role of cultural preservation and innovative development in ensuring shared prosperity.
