“Rural tourism is booming!” That’s the chorus echoing through Xingfu Ancient Village today. This village shows how far-sighted planning can transform a community.
Xingfu Ancient Village is more than 200 years old. Once, its remote location kept it hidden. Poor roads meant young people left for work. They rarely came back. The village was fading despite its beauty.
Then, in 2014, everything changed. Xingfu Ancient Village became a pilot project. Sichuan Province chose it to lead in rural tourism development. The goal was clear: upgrade the village using its unique resources.
Roads were built. Old houses were fixed. The landscape was improved. Rural culture was brought back to life. Villagers saw a chance and seized it.
Gong Shaorong, a local, rented his building. It became a B&B hotel. His grandson opened a restaurant here. In 2016, Xingfu Ancient Village opened its doors. Gong became a guide. He shared the village’s history with tourists. That year, his family earned over 100000 yuan in just two months.
The village operates on cooperation. The local government, companies, and villagers work together. Villagers earn from rentals, jobs, and cooperative dividends. They also gain from land-use rights.
Xingfu Ancient Village gained recognition. It became a traditional Chinese village. It was named a national-level key village for rural tourism. It even joined a project to boost local industry.
Since then, Xingfu Ancient Village has thrived. About 1.8 million tourists have visited. Tourism revenue reached about 220 million yuan. Villagers’ income has increased dramatically.
The village protects its heritage. It avoids over-commercialization. Xingfu Ancient Village combines concerts and study tours. These activities highlight folk customs. The village aims for sustainable tourism.
Xingfu Ancient Village integrates scenic spots. The village cooperative and farmers work together. This ensures tourism benefits everyone here. The success of Xingfu Ancient Village offers a blueprint. It shows how rural tourism can prosper with community at its heart.