Culture and tourism drive rural revitalization in Wuzhong

Wuzhong City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has been accelerating its development as a cultural and tourism hub, actively exploring innovative integrated models such as "industries + culture and tourism." The growing tourism sector has become a key driver in empowering rural revitalization and boosting the local economy.

According to a recent Wuzhong municipal government report, the city completed the construction of four key small towns in 2024, including Guojiaqiao Township in Litong District, alongside 30 other tranquil villages. With its rich heritage of Yellow River farming culture and a vibrant tea and food culture, Litong District has been cultivating diverse rural tourism offerings. By leveraging its intangible cultural heritage brands such as Eight Treasures Tea, local specialties like mutton offal soup and morning tea, and agricultural products including grapes, selenium-rich rice, and ganoderma, the district has developed signature rural tourism brands in villages such as Niujiafang and Baisitan.

The Wuzhong Forest Farm in the district has also adopted an integrated "industry-tourism" approach, creating attractions such as fruit-picking gardens, lotus ponds, and themed towns. These attractions form a comprehensive tourism chain that combines folk culture, dining, leisure, and agricultural experiences. In 2024 alone, Litong District received over 7.6 million tourists, generating over 190 million yuan ($26.8 million) in total revenue.

From establishing a diverse "agriculture-culture-tourism" development chain to upgrading rural homestays and creating model rural tourism sites, Wuzhong continues to breathe new life into rural revitalization efforts. Today, Litong District's villages are thriving with growing industries, rich cultural vitality, and beautiful living environments, presenting a vivid picture of how culture and tourism are shaping a prosperous new countryside in Ningxia.