Shandong employs ancient villages to tell tales of rural China

Today, the traditional vermicelli-making technique is listed as an intangible cultural heritage item.

The cultural inheritors demonstrated the traditional processes of vermicelli extrusion and sun-drying on site, allowing Aimma to experience the whole production process and appreciate the ingenuity passed down through generations.

In recent years, by adhering to the principle of "prioritizing protection and promoting rational utilization", Zhangxing town has made efforts to empower rural vitalization through cultural and tourism development.

It has coordinated the renovation of Xujia village's ancient buildings, ecological conservation and rural vitalization. Bluestone roads have been restored, while old residences have been revitalized into intangible cultural heritage workshops and rural bookstores. The village has retained its nostalgic charm while embracing modern vitality.

"This village allows people to see both China's past and the future of rural areas," said Aimma.

Xu added that by adopting a development model of "ancient village + intangible heritage + immersive experience", the local government is attracting more Chinese and foreign tourists to the village.

Cai Mengyan also contributed to this story.