Seven villages in China have been recognized as “Best Tourism Villages” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2023, highlighting the country’s achievements in rural tourism development.
The announcement was made during a UNWTO meeting held in Cartagena, Colombia, bringing China’s total to 15 villages honored with this prestigious title—the highest number for any country.
The newly recognized villages are:
- Azheke Village in Yunnan Province
- Guanyang Village in Fujian Province
- Shibadong Village in Hunan Province
- Taoping Village in Sichuan Province
- Xiaogang Village in Anhui Province
- Xitou Village in Zhejiang Province
- Yandunjiao Village in Shandong Province
Spanning China’s eastern, central, and western regions, these villages showcase diverse cultures, landscapes, and development models. Their recognition reflects significant strides in preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism in rural areas.
Azheke Village, nestled in the heart of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—has embraced a unique approach to tourism. Villagers contribute resources like terraces, traditional homes, and cultural practices, creating a model of collective participation and shared prosperity.
The UNWTO launched the Best Tourism Villages initiative in 2021 to honor villages worldwide that lead in nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. This recognition encourages sustainable tourism development and cultural preservation globally.
Reference(s):
7 Chinese villages awarded Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism
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