Next Stop: Fujian Tulou, connecting people through earthen fort-like buildings

With its 700-year old history, Guanyang Village situated in Nanjing County of Zhangzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, is well-known for its iconic earthen fort-like buildings.

Fujian Tulou, which dates back to the Song and Yuan dynasties, is a type of Chinese rural dwelling of the Hakka people in the mountainous areas of the province. The layout of the buildings followed the Chinese dwelling tradition of the "closed outside, open inside" concept: an enclosure wall with living quarters around the peripheral with a common courtyard at the center.

Since the inclusion of Fujian Tulou in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008, Guanyang Village has innovatively revitalized its cultural heritage and preservation.

In recent years, the village has found new ways to keep its traditions alive by reviving the interiors of these ancient buildings and introducing public spaces that encourage community gathering.

Also, new ventures, including Tulou homestays, farm-to-table dining experiences and cafes, have taken root, catering to the growing appetite among travelers in search of cultural immersion.

The rise in tourism has rejuvenated the village, reversing the trend of an aging population. Increasingly, young residents are returning to start businesses, contributing to a shared vision of prosperity. 

"In 2008, the average annual income here was 10,000 yuan (over $1,300). By 2023, it had tripled to 30,000 yuan (over $4,000)," said Zhang Haitao, head of the county's bureau of culture, sports and tourism.

"Our aim is to make Guanyang Village a model for rural vitalization," Zhang added, describing a future countryside where the environment is preserved, culture thrives and community life prospers.

The journey of the village from a historical hamlet to a global tourism gem epitomizes the transformative power of cultural preservation and sustainable development. Its seamless blend of ancient traditions and modern vitality offers a blueprint for rural communities worldwide, demonstrating that heritage and innovation can go hand in hand.

Guanyang Village was honored as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in its 2024 selection.

(Cover designed by CGTN's Huang Ruiqi)