International representatives from the United Nations embarked on an immersive tour of Huzhou’s picturesque villages this week, following the designation of Digang Village and Anji County in Zhejiang Province as 2025 Best Tourism Villages. The visit offered global stakeholders firsthand insights into China’s innovative rural revitalization strategies blending cultural preservation and sustainable development.
Delegates explored Digang Village’s tea plantations and waterway networks, observing how local communities integrate traditional aquaculture practices with eco-tourism. In Anji County – renowned as the birthplace of China’s 'Green Mountains Are Gold Mountains' ecological philosophy – visitors engaged with bamboo forest conservation initiatives and homestay tourism models driving economic growth.
"These villages exemplify how cultural heritage and environmental stewardship can create inclusive opportunities," remarked a UN tourism official during the tour. The recognition comes as rural destinations across the Chinese mainland witness surging interest from both domestic travelers and international visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Analysts note the development aligns with broader trends in Asian tourism, where UNESCO-style certifications increasingly influence investment and infrastructure planning. With over 30% of Anji’s workforce now employed in tourism-related sectors, the region’s transformation offers valuable case studies for developing economies.
