China‘s First Batch of Tourism Characteristic Towns338

In 2019, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China introduced a new mechanism for developing tourism in towns and villages. The mechanism was established to promote the supply-side reform of the tourism market, further tap into the potential of tourism resources in towns and villages, promote the balanced development of the regional economy, and inject new vitality into the revitalization of rural areas.

In accordance with this mechanism, a batch of towns and villages with distinct characteristics, rich and unique tourism resources or cultural characteristics, and potential for tourism development were selected through competition and evaluation, and they were named "China Tourism Characteristic Towns". These towns have been the focus of government support, resources, and other inputs, aiming to improve the quality and efficiency of tourism development, expand employment, increase income, and highlight poverty alleviation.

The first batch of China Tourism Characteristic Towns was announced with the selection of 48 towns from 29 provinces and autonomous regions. These towns represent different regions, industries, and cultural features, reflecting the diverse tourism resources and development characteristics of China's towns and villages.

The first batch of China Tourism Characteristic Towns includes towns that feature natural scenery, such as Bajiaodong Village in Hainan, which is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs, and Shangcun Village in Zhejiang, which is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes. It also includes towns that showcase historical and cultural heritage, such as Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into China's traditional architecture and culture, and Zhouzhuang Ancient Town in Jiangsu, known as the "Venice of the East" and famed for its enchanting waterside scenery and old bridges.

Other types of towns in the first batch include those centered around specific themes, such as the Confucius Temple Town in Shandong, which is home to numerous cultural relics and temples dedicated to Confucius and Confucianism, and the Tea Horse Road Town in Yunnan, which offers a unique experience of the ancient trade route connecting China and Southeast Asia. Some towns are known for their traditional crafts, such as Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, famous for its exquisite porcelain, and Huishan Ancient Town in Jiangsu, renowned for its delicate embroidery.

The development of China's first batch of Tourism Characteristic Towns has achieved remarkable results. These towns have become popular tourist destinations, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. The tourism industry has become a pillar industry in these towns, driving economic growth, increasing employment opportunities, and promoting rural revitalization. The success of these towns has also demonstrated the effectiveness of the new mechanism for developing tourism.

In summary, the first batch of China Tourism Characteristic Towns showcases the diverse and rich tourism resources of China's towns and villages. These towns have benefited from government support, resulting in the flourishing of their tourism industry and contributing to the revitalization of rural areas. The success of these towns provides a valuable reference for the development of tourism in other towns and villages, offering insights into the preservation of cultural heritage, the promotion of sustainable development, and the enhancement of the well-being of rural residents.

2024-12-27

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