Four villages from the Chinese mainland received global recognition as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) unveiled its 2025 Best Tourism Villages list during a ceremony in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The October 17 announcement spotlights China's progress in sustainable rural development through cultural preservation and community-led tourism initiatives.
The honored villages – spanning Zhejiang, Yunnan, Guizhou, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region – were praised for balancing modern infrastructure with traditional architecture and ecological conservation. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili noted the selections reflect 'global benchmarks for tourism that empowers rural communities while protecting heritage.'
This recognition comes as China intensifies efforts to revitalize rural economies through tourism. Analysts suggest the designation could boost international visitor interest in lesser-known destinations, creating opportunities for homestay operators and local artisans. The villages' success stories are expected to feature prominently at upcoming APEC tourism working group meetings.
For travelers, the list offers new cultural itineraries featuring ancient tea-horse caravan routes, Uygur folk art workshops, and Ming-era water management systems. Tourism authorities plan to launch multilingual digital guides by Q2 2024 to enhance accessibility.
