In a remarkable achievement for rural tourism, seven villages in China have been honored as \"Best Tourism Villages\" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) this year. This accolade, announced at a UN Tourism meeting in Cartagena, Colombia, brings the total number of Chinese villages holding this prestigious title to 15, making China the leading country in this category.
The newly recognized villages—Azheke Village in Yunnan, Guanyang Village in Fujian, Shibadong Village in Hunan, Taoping Village in Sichuan, Xiaogang Village in Anhui, Xitou Village in Zhejiang, and Yandunjiao Village in Shandong—span the eastern, central, and western regions of China. This geographical diversity showcases the country's rich cultural heritage and varied development models, highlighting the impressive strides made in rural tourism.
Azheke Village in Yunnan stands out with its unique approach to tourism. Nestled in the heart of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village has fostered a model of collective participation and shared prosperity. The villagers have invested in maintaining terraces, preserving traditional architecture, and promoting their way of life, creating an inviting destination for tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.
The UNWTO launched the Best Tourism Villages project in 2021 with the aim of recognizing villages worldwide that excel in nurturing rural areas, preserving landscapes, maintaining cultural diversity, and upholding local values and culinary traditions. The inclusion of these seven Chinese villages underscores China's commitment to sustainable tourism and rural development.
As China continues to lead in the number of Best Tourism Villages, these recognized communities serve as inspiring examples of how rural areas can thrive through thoughtful tourism practices that respect and enhance local culture and environments.
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7 Chinese villages awarded Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism
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