China's cultural tourism sector has emerged as a cornerstone of high-quality development, blending ancient heritage with modern innovation to create sustainable economic value. As the nation prepares to implement its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), strategic integration of intangible cultural assets and rural revitalization programs continues to reshape local economies.
The Xuan Paper Town in Anhui Province exemplifies this transformation. By transforming its 1,000-year-old papermaking tradition into immersive experiences, the destination attracted over 400,000 visitors last year. Artisan workshops and cultural innovation programs generated nearly 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) in direct revenue, with experiential tourism accounting for 40% of total income.
This success aligns with national policy directives emphasizing heritage preservation as a living process. The upcoming Five-Year Plan specifically advocates for cultural empowerment of tourism through systematic business models and value chain expansion – principles already demonstrated through Xuan Paper Town's study-tour restaurants and themed dining concepts.
Industry analysts note that 2025 has seen accelerated development of similar cultural-economic ecosystems across China's countryside. By converting historical assets into participatory experiences, communities are achieving the dual objectives of economic growth and cultural preservation outlined in national strategies.
