Four rural destinations across China have been named among the world's Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, spotlighting their success in blending cultural preservation with sustainable development. The 2025 list recognizes Digang Village in Zhejiang, Jikayi Village in Sichuan, Dongluo Village in Jiangsu, and Huanggang Village in Guizhou for their unique heritage and community-driven tourism models.
Digang Village, nestled along the Grand Canal, preserves 1,200-year-old silk-weaving techniques while offering immersive workshops. In Sichuan's mountainous Danba County, Jikayi Village showcases centuries-old Tibetan watchtowers alongside organic yak farming traditions. Jiangsu's Dongluo Village breathes new life into Ming Dynasty watertown architecture through eco-friendly homestays, while Guizhou's Huanggang Village protects the world's last surviving 'firewood and fish' agricultural system dating back 1,600 years.
With this addition, China now boasts 19 UN-recognized tourism villages – the highest in Asia. The selection criteria emphasize cultural conservation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic benefits for local residents. Analysts note this recognition could boost rural tourism revenue by 20-35% in these regions through increased global visibility.
