From a once impoverished and remote area to a popular tourist destination, Lizu Village in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province has pioneered a new path of rural development through the integration of the cultural and tourism industries.
The village, with a history dating back over 500 years, is surrounded by picturesque mountains and ancient trees, with traditional black-and-white houses seamlessly integrating with more newly built structures, offering tourists a tranquil retreat and a taste of traditional rural life.
A rich cultural atmosphere further boosts its tourism appeal. Strolling through the village, visitors will encounter walls adorned with paintings that depict vibrant scenes of rural life, which add to the village's artistic allure.
The village has also introduced modern amenities with a cultural twist, such as a dyeing workshop, galleries, cafes, and a store selling autumn pear paste and candies made from it using a skill that dates back over 1,200 years. These attractions provide immersive cultural experiences for visitors.
The improvement in transportation and public facilities, as well as supportive local policies, have spurred the growth of culture and tourism-related businesses, with restaurants, shops, and guesthouses flourishing in the village, offering new income streams for villagers and fostering economic development in the area.