Upcoming Destination: Distinctive Miao Culture Aids in Enhancing Tourism
Explore how the distinct Miao culture is driving tourism growth in the region in "Next Stop: Unique Miao Culture Helps Boost Tourism." This article delves into the vibrant traditions and practices of the Miao people, showcasing how their unique heritage is attracting visitors and enhancing the local economy. Discover the intersection of culture and tourism as we highlight the benefits and challenges that come with this growing interest.
TroibNews 
Shibadong Village, located in central China's Hunan Province, received recognition from the United Nations World Tourism Organization as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" in its 2024 selection.
Nestled in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, this well-preserved village, which has existed for 400 years, is primarily inhabited by the Miao ethnic group. It plays a significant role in the Wuling Mountain Area Tujia and Miao Cultural and Ecological Protection Zone.
With an impressive forest coverage rate of 80 percent, Shibadong Village is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, including intangible cultural heritage projects like the Ganqiu Festival, which celebrates the arrival of autumn in the Miao tradition.
The village has significantly developed its cultural resources, modernizing ancient Miao homes and historical post roads while introducing interactive experiences such as Miao embroidery workshops, agritainment, and Miao homestay inns.
Prominent in the village’s offerings is Miao embroidery featuring Chinese dragon patterns, a craft showcased as recently as April 5, 2024.
Since the introduction of targeted poverty alleviation in 2013, Shibadong has also served as a model for the evolution of modern Chinese villages. The village has cultivated industries such as tourism, bottled mineral water production, and Miao embroidery, successfully reducing villagers' dependence on government support and attracting back younger residents. To date, over 200 young individuals have chosen to establish their lives in Shibadong, primarily taking part in the growing tourism sector.
Thanks to its distinctive Miao culture, picturesque landscapes, and enhanced infrastructure, tourism in Shibadong is thriving. In 2023, the village hosted more than 800,000 tourists and generated nearly 20 million yuan in tourism revenue.
Shibadong Village exemplifies a fresh perspective on China’s rural revitalization efforts, contributing valuable insights, solutions, and strength towards global poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
For more:
Next Stop: Fujian Tulou, connecting people through earthen fort-like buildings
Next Stop: 'Mushroom cottages' surrounded by cascading rice terraces
Next Stop: An ancient stone village bathed in flowers
Next Stop: A forest oxygen bar in the Qinling Mountains
Next Stop: The stone box that sits on ancient glacial relics
Next Stop: Lucid waters and lush mountains lift this village out of poverty
Next Stop: An ancient village with a hanging drying ground
Ian Smith for TROIB News
Nestled in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, this well-preserved village, which has existed for 400 years, is primarily inhabited by the Miao ethnic group. It plays a significant role in the Wuling Mountain Area Tujia and Miao Cultural and Ecological Protection Zone.
With an impressive forest coverage rate of 80 percent, Shibadong Village is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, including intangible cultural heritage projects like the Ganqiu Festival, which celebrates the arrival of autumn in the Miao tradition.
The village has significantly developed its cultural resources, modernizing ancient Miao homes and historical post roads while introducing interactive experiences such as Miao embroidery workshops, agritainment, and Miao homestay inns.
Prominent in the village’s offerings is Miao embroidery featuring Chinese dragon patterns, a craft showcased as recently as April 5, 2024.
Since the introduction of targeted poverty alleviation in 2013, Shibadong has also served as a model for the evolution of modern Chinese villages. The village has cultivated industries such as tourism, bottled mineral water production, and Miao embroidery, successfully reducing villagers' dependence on government support and attracting back younger residents. To date, over 200 young individuals have chosen to establish their lives in Shibadong, primarily taking part in the growing tourism sector.
Thanks to its distinctive Miao culture, picturesque landscapes, and enhanced infrastructure, tourism in Shibadong is thriving. In 2023, the village hosted more than 800,000 tourists and generated nearly 20 million yuan in tourism revenue.
Shibadong Village exemplifies a fresh perspective on China’s rural revitalization efforts, contributing valuable insights, solutions, and strength towards global poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
For more:
Next Stop: Fujian Tulou, connecting people through earthen fort-like buildings
Next Stop: 'Mushroom cottages' surrounded by cascading rice terraces
Next Stop: An ancient stone village bathed in flowers
Next Stop: A forest oxygen bar in the Qinling Mountains
Next Stop: The stone box that sits on ancient glacial relics
Next Stop: Lucid waters and lush mountains lift this village out of poverty
Next Stop: An ancient village with a hanging drying ground
Ian Smith for TROIB News
