Chinese Village Leverages 'Courtyard Economy' to Boost Cultural Tourism
Xiangfeng village in China's Changsha county is utilizing a 'courtyard economy' model to attract international and domestic tourists, focusing on experiencing rural life and showcasing local culture.
The village of Xiangfeng, located in Changsha county, Hunan province, China, has developed a "courtyard economy" model to boost rural cultural tourism. This approach leverages farm courtyards to create experiences that blend local culture with international interaction.
The village gained attention through the popular reality TV show "From Far Lands to China's Farmlands," where international participants experienced rural life and engaged in local traditions, such as cooking and crafts. This has spurred interest in Xiangfeng's unique rural tourism offerings.
The "courtyard economy" model includes offering culinary experiences using local produce, such as herbal fondue and freshly baked bread. Visitors can also participate in workshops focusing on intangible cultural heritage. The initiative aims to create new consumption scenarios in rural areas and showcase Chinese rural tourism to a global audience.
This model has proven popular, and with the success of the television program, it has generated broader interest in China's rural tourism sector. Changsha county continues to develop this model to attract both domestic and international visitors.