Once a dwindling community with just 48 households, Shenchong Village in Danzhou City, Hainan Province, has reemerged as a vibrant coastal destination. The newly opened Shenchong Coastal Resort blends the 400-year-old settlement's volcanic stone architecture with modern tourism offerings, marking a triumph of cultural preservation and sustainable development.
Visitors can now explore restored historical homes converted into homestays, sip coffee in seaside cafes, or engage in water sports like paddleboarding through the resort's dedicated club. Local authorities highlight the project's focus on retaining the village's maritime heritage while creating economic opportunities for residents.
This transformation comes as Hainan accelerates its Free Trade Port development, with cultural tourism becoming a key growth sector. Analysts suggest such initiatives could serve as models for balancing heritage conservation with economic modernization across Asia's developing coastal regions.
