On October 6, an exciting event unfolded in Baoshan Street, Jianyang District, Nanping City, as the “Red Literary Light Cavalry Entering the National Forest Village, Xiyuan” activity drew numerous visitors to Xiyuan Village. Local resident Mr. Lu was busy crafting sticky rice cakes in the village square, attracting curious onlookers. “During holidays, our village welcomes many visitors, and we love sharing our unique dishes with them,” he said with a warm smile.
Xiyuan Village boasts a rich history of over 1,200 years and is home to many ancient residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can wander through charming old streets, see ancient wells, and explore traditional houses, all set against the backdrop of vast pine forests and the famous “Three Lives Tree.”
Mr. Chen, a businessman from Shanghai, took advantage of the National Day holiday to bring his family to Jianyang, motivated by the allure of Xiyuan Village. “It’s not just about history; there are family-friendly parks, outdoor adventure bases, and authentic farm experiences. The options for rural tourism here are abundant,” he commented, clearly enjoying the day with his family. “With over 200 acres of picking gardens, we’re planning to return during the New Year for strawberry picking.”
The village was bustling with energy as visitors savored local delicacies such as puffed rice cakes, twisted doughnuts, and sticky rice cakes. Mr. Lu, who runs a local farmhouse, noted, “During holidays, our visitor numbers soar. Our specialty dishes, especially the crispy rice and bao guo, are so popular that we often have to take reservations in advance.” He reflected on the positive transformations the village has undergone in recent years, with restored homes and enhanced surroundings that have turned it into a vibrant rural tourism destination.
At the iconic “Three Lives Tree,” which has stood for nearly 600 years, photographers gathered to capture the lively scenes, with passing tourists making ideal subjects. The Jianyang Photography Association’s “Red Literary Light Cavalry” ventured into Xiyuan Village, snapping pictures of the historic streets and eager cyclists weaving through the lush landscape. Chairman Liang Yong expressed his aspiration that their rural explorations would reveal developmental stories and highlight the beauty of Xiyuan, encouraging more people to appreciate traditional culture through photography while promoting the fusion of culture and tourism.
In recent years, Xiyuan Village has tapped into its ecological strengths, embodying the philosophy that “clear waters and green mountains are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver.” The village has maintained its original charm while developing outdoor adventure bases and cycling paths, making significant strides in enhancing its cultural and tourism industry. Xiyuan has earned several accolades, including National Forest Village status, Provincial-level Rural Revitalization Demonstration Village designation, and an AAA-rated Ecological Scenic Area.
As you stroll through Xiyuan Village, surrounded by lush mountains and clear waterways, the serene atmosphere of this ancient village unfolds. Through ongoing efforts in sustainable practices, organic growth, and a harmonious blend of culture and tourism, Xiyuan Village is shaping a unique path toward rural revitalization that balances ecology and culture.