Dongluo Village in Jiangsu Province has secured a place on UN Tourism's 2025 Best Tourism Villages list, marking the first time a rural destination from the province has received this global recognition. Nestled between the Qianduo scenic area, Pingwang Lake, and expansive orchards, this waterway-laced community showcases a unique agricultural art form shaped by centuries of human ingenuity.
The village's signature 'earth art' – intricate patterns of rapeseed flowers framed by hand-dug canals and elevated farmland – reflects generations of sustainable land management. Local farmers transformed flood-prone marshes into fertile fields through coordinated dredging, creating both functional farmland and striking visual landscapes.
This UN recognition has accelerated Dongluo's transformation into a model for rural tourism development. During peak seasons, all 58 registered homestays operate at full capacity, with residents converting ancestral homes into cultural guesthouses. The approach has increased average household incomes by 40% since 2020 while maintaining traditional farming practices.
Tourism officials highlight Dongluo's success in balancing economic growth with heritage preservation. Visitors can participate in rice-transplanting rituals, traditional boat-making workshops, and seasonal flower festivals that celebrate the village's agricultural roots.
