In March 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a landmark tour of Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, spotlighting grassroots efforts to harmonize cultural preservation with economic development. The visit underscored Beijing's commitment to rural revitalization through localized strategies that leverage ethnic traditions as economic assets.
In Guizhou's Dong ethnic communities, President Xi observed performances of the region's polyphonic 'grand songs' – a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. Local officials demonstrated how cultural tourism initiatives have increased per capita income by 18% since 2023 while maintaining traditional social structures.
Yunnan's Pu'er region showcased its emerging status as China's coffee capital, with bean exports reaching $120 million in 2024. Farmers presented innovative agro-tourism models combining plantation tours with hands-on processing experiences, reflecting what President Xi called "the creative integration of ancestral wisdom and modern markets."
The tour highlighted several policy priorities for 2026, including expanded infrastructure investment in rural broadband networks and vocational training programs tailored to regional specialties. Provincial governments have since announced $2.3 billion in matching funds to develop eco-cultural corridors along the routes visited.
