Tourism drives rural vitalization in Shandong township

At the foot of Mengshan Mountain in Datianzhuang township, Feixian county, Shandong province, rural tourism has emerged as the linchpin for rural vitalization.

Zhoujiazhuang village in Datianzhuang township currently boasts 38 guesthouses, attracting a total of 48,000 visitors since 2023.

Not only has this influx of tourists boosted the local economy, but it has also created employment opportunities for over 200 individuals in the village's tertiary sector, resulting in an average income increase of over 3,000 yuan ($417.32) per capita.

A guesthouse in Feixian county, Linyi city, East China's Shandong province, features a simple and stylish design. [Photo by Qiao Ming for chinadaily.com.cn]

In recent years, Datianzhuang township has leveraged its scenic rural landscapes and cultural heritage to boost the growth of the guesthouse industry. The high-quality development of each guesthouse has enhanced the region's charm, embodying the idea that "Clear waters and green mountains are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver."

Looking ahead, Datianzhuang township is set to concentrate its efforts on Zhoujiazhuang village and its surroundings. By harnessing the area's natural resources, strong transportation infrastructure and industrial assets, the township aims to tap into the area's original ecological landscapes and local cultural nuances.

In particular, there is a strong emphasis on the creation of a selection of distinct and standardized boutique guesthouses. Through this strategic approach, the guesthouse industry is poised to galvanize the rapid advancement of comprehensive rural tourism in the region. (Edited by He Yuge)