Ecological symphony enhances rural revitalization in Eastern China's Wuyuan
Rural revitalization creates a harmonious balance of ecology in Wuyuan, located in eastern China.
TroibNews 
Since mid-March, Wuyuan County, known for its stunning countryside, has entered its most captivating season.
The undulating hills are now adorned with a 6,700-hectare expanse of rapeseed flowers in full bloom, transforming the landscape into a vivid tapestry of gold.
As the flowers reach their peak, a surge of visitors from around the country descends upon Wuyuan, located in east China's Jiangxi Province, turning the area into a vibrant hub of beauty and cultural allure.
Home to historical sites and ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Wuyuan features a total of 30 traditional villages. In 2012, the local government implemented initiatives to safeguard and enhance these ancient villages and structures by promoting adoption and relocation efforts.
With the expansion of China's high-speed rail network making the once-isolated countryside more accessible, Wuyuan has even piqued the interest of international travelers.
Wuyuan’s story exemplifies how China's poverty alleviation and rural revitalization strategies have significantly improved the lives of its residents.
Once economically stagnant, this county, which is home to over 300,000 people, has experienced an extraordinary transformation through land reform, poverty reduction initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
Since the 2000s, Wuyuan has embraced an "agriculture-tourism integration" model, merging traditional agriculture with tourism and cultivating unique industries such as rapeseed flower and chrysanthemum production.
This approach has led to the rise of rural homestays, increasing the annual average per-capita income to over 26,000 yuan in 2023, up from less than 3,000 yuan in 2002. Furthermore, in 2023, Wuyuan attracted over 28 million visitors, solidifying its reputation as a premier tourist destination in rural China.
As rural revitalization efforts continue to advance across China, Wuyuan is further evolving its local resources into a flourishing and diverse tourism sector. A nature education center, managed by a team of young graduates averaging under 30 years old, has become a sought-after location, with participants eagerly booking their spots three months in advance.
Activities at this hub, including wetland explorations, bird nest construction, and microscopic observations of bacteria, engage both children and parents alike.
"We're using Wuyuan's natural beauty and our expertise to make science fun and accessible," said Liu Zhilong, who oversees the nature education center, noting that more than 60,000 children and 10,000 parents have participated in their "nature lessons" so far.
These successes are rooted in Wuyuan's innovative "mini nature reserve" system, initiated in the early 1990s. Today, the county boasts 193 such reserves, covering 43,600 hectares and protecting rare species, including the critically endangered blue-crowned laughingthrush. This commitment to conservation has also propelled economic development, with birdwatching tourism alone generating over 100 million yuan in 2023.
Party chief Xu Shubin highlighted that Wuyuan has effectively transformed its ecological assets into economic advantages. As villagers benefit from this green development, their dedication to protecting their beautiful environment has only deepened.
"This commitment has fostered a win-win cycle. Protecting the environment drives the green economy, and the resulting success inspires villagers to care even more for their natural surroundings, promoting true harmony between people and nature," Xu explained.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
The undulating hills are now adorned with a 6,700-hectare expanse of rapeseed flowers in full bloom, transforming the landscape into a vivid tapestry of gold.
As the flowers reach their peak, a surge of visitors from around the country descends upon Wuyuan, located in east China's Jiangxi Province, turning the area into a vibrant hub of beauty and cultural allure.
Home to historical sites and ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Wuyuan features a total of 30 traditional villages. In 2012, the local government implemented initiatives to safeguard and enhance these ancient villages and structures by promoting adoption and relocation efforts.
With the expansion of China's high-speed rail network making the once-isolated countryside more accessible, Wuyuan has even piqued the interest of international travelers.
Wuyuan’s story exemplifies how China's poverty alleviation and rural revitalization strategies have significantly improved the lives of its residents.
Once economically stagnant, this county, which is home to over 300,000 people, has experienced an extraordinary transformation through land reform, poverty reduction initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
Since the 2000s, Wuyuan has embraced an "agriculture-tourism integration" model, merging traditional agriculture with tourism and cultivating unique industries such as rapeseed flower and chrysanthemum production.
This approach has led to the rise of rural homestays, increasing the annual average per-capita income to over 26,000 yuan in 2023, up from less than 3,000 yuan in 2002. Furthermore, in 2023, Wuyuan attracted over 28 million visitors, solidifying its reputation as a premier tourist destination in rural China.
As rural revitalization efforts continue to advance across China, Wuyuan is further evolving its local resources into a flourishing and diverse tourism sector. A nature education center, managed by a team of young graduates averaging under 30 years old, has become a sought-after location, with participants eagerly booking their spots three months in advance.
Activities at this hub, including wetland explorations, bird nest construction, and microscopic observations of bacteria, engage both children and parents alike.
"We're using Wuyuan's natural beauty and our expertise to make science fun and accessible," said Liu Zhilong, who oversees the nature education center, noting that more than 60,000 children and 10,000 parents have participated in their "nature lessons" so far.
These successes are rooted in Wuyuan's innovative "mini nature reserve" system, initiated in the early 1990s. Today, the county boasts 193 such reserves, covering 43,600 hectares and protecting rare species, including the critically endangered blue-crowned laughingthrush. This commitment to conservation has also propelled economic development, with birdwatching tourism alone generating over 100 million yuan in 2023.
Party chief Xu Shubin highlighted that Wuyuan has effectively transformed its ecological assets into economic advantages. As villagers benefit from this green development, their dedication to protecting their beautiful environment has only deepened.
"This commitment has fostered a win-win cycle. Protecting the environment drives the green economy, and the resulting success inspires villagers to care even more for their natural surroundings, promoting true harmony between people and nature," Xu explained.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
