Across the Chinese mainland, a sweeping transformation is taking place. What were once fragile ecosystems are being reborn as vibrant tourism destinations, proving that environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand with economic prosperity. Through large-scale land greening and ecological restoration, the nation is turning its natural landscapes into powerful engines for consumption and employment.
The scale of this effort is reflected in recent data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. According to the 2025 China Land Greening Status Bulletin, the country completed the afforestation of 3.563 million hectares and restored 4.927 million hectares of degraded grasslands last year. This push has brought the forest coverage rate to 25.09%, with the forestry and grassland industry's total output value approaching 11 trillion yuan (approximately $1.6 trillion). Perhaps most significantly, these green initiatives are directly driving employment for over 60 million people.
This ecological recovery is translating into a surge in green tourism. In southwest Guizhou Province, the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area in Libo County—celebrated for its karst formations and known as the "Green Gem on Earth's Belt"—has seen a remarkable rebound. During the May Day holiday earlier this month, the area set a historical record with single-day visitor numbers exceeding 70,000. By introducing activities such as hiking, heritage exploration, and transparent boating, the scenic area has extended average visitor stays from four-and-a-half to seven hours, significantly boosting local business consumption.
Similarly, in the northeast, Yichun City in Heilongjiang Province has solidified its reputation as the "Forest Metropolis." With a forest coverage rate of 83.8% across 4 million hectares, the city saw a 13.5% year-on-year increase in visitors during the 2025 May Day holidays. The demand for "forest-based tourism" and cool summer retreats has pushed online tourism consumption up by a staggering 369.2%.
The impact of these gains extends beyond urban centers and into the heart of rural revitalization. The global community has taken note of these efforts; currently, 19 Chinese villages are featured on UN Tourism's "Best Tourism Villages" list, the highest number of any single country or region in the world.
Officials highlight that the nationwide "beautiful China" initiative has successfully converted lush mountains and lucid waters into invaluable assets. By leveraging eco-tourism, the region is building prosperous, sustainable communities that balance modern economic needs with the imperative of environmental preservation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
