Nestled among Yunnan Province's iconic rice terraces, Azheke Village is witnessing a quiet revolution as young residents swap city life for sustainable entrepreneurship. The Hani ethnic group's mushroom-shaped houses, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site, now form the backdrop for a thriving tourism model merging tradition and innovation.
Ma Youde, the village's first college-educated returnee, exemplifies this shift. His boutique B&B fuses Hani architectural heritage with modern comforts, attracting global travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. 'We're proving rural revitalization can honor tradition while creating economic opportunities,' Ma explains.
The transformation is amplified by a Sun Yat-sen University research team, whose doctoral candidates collaborate with locals on community-driven tourism strategies. Initiatives range from eco-trekking routes to digital storytelling workshops preserving Hani traditions for younger generations.
This grassroots movement reflects broader trends: over 60% of Azheke's under-35 population has returned home since 2020, according to local records. Their ventures—from artisanal craft cooperatives to agritourism programs—show how rural China is rewriting the narrative of urban migration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
