Hey there, culture buffs and adventure seekers! 🌏✨ Ever wondered how a 1,000-year-old craft can spark a whole new wave of economic growth? Welcome to Xuan Paper Town in Anhui Province on the Chinese mainland, where traditional paper-making meets next-level tourism.
Looking ahead, the Chinese mainland's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) – the blueprint for the next half-decade – highlights the need to keep history alive in cities, towns and villages. It calls for deepening the mix of culture and tourism, using heritage to power economic and social development. In simple terms, culture-driven tourism is the new engine of high-quality growth.
Here's how local heroes are turning that vision into reality. In Jingxian County, Xuan Paper Town is already living that vision. Dubbed the 'millennium-old paper' haven, this town invites you to dive into artisanal workshops, learn to roll your own brush, and even mix ink sticks scented with ancient formulas. It's like stepping into a TikTok-worthy craft lab – IRL. 🤳
But it doesn't stop at DIY sessions. From travel photography services capturing your #AestheticMoment to Xuan paper printing, study-tour restaurants serving paper-themed bites, and themed dining experiences that blend food and folklore – every spot here is designed for maximal Insta appeal and real cultural immersion.
Last year (2024), Xuan Paper Town welcomed over 400,000 visitors, raking in nearly 20 million yuan (around $2.8 million) in direct revenue. What's more, secondary spending – think street food stalls, souvenir shops and photo ops – now makes up 40% of the total haul. That's a solid recipe for sustainable, community-driven growth.
This model shows how blending intangible heritage with savvy tourism can boost local economies – something we're seeing across South and Southeast Asia, from Yogyakarta's batik villages to Kerala's spice routes. As more young travelers chase authentic experiences, culture-driven tourism could be the key to sustainable development everywhere. 🎒🌿
Who knew a single sheet of paper could hold so much history and potential? Xuan Paper Town is proof that when culture meets creativity, everyone wins. Ready to add a heritage hotspot to your travel map? 🤔✈️
Reference(s):
Culture-driven tourism helps drive China's high-quality development
cgtn.com
