Discover how Xiaogang Village earned the prestigious UNWTO TITLE for its outstanding tourism and cultural initiatives
Xiaogang Village has proudly been recognized as the World's Best Tourist Village 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This esteemed award, announced on November 15, 2024, in Colombia, highlights Xiaogang Village's exceptional efforts in promoting sustainable rural tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering economic growth within Fengyang County.
Award Ceremony Highlights
During the award ceremony, Li Jinzhu, member of the Standing Committee of Fengyang County Party Committee and First Secretary of Xiaogang Village Party Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the village. In a heartfelt gesture, Li presented the Fengyang Flower Drum to the Secretary-General of the UNWTO, symbolizing the village's rich cultural traditions and dedication to tourism excellence.
Other Honored Villages
Xiaogang Village joins an illustrious group of villages recognized this year, including:
Yandunjiao Village (Shandong Province)
Shibadong Village (Hunan Province)
Taoping Village (Sichuan Province)
Guanyang Village (Fujian Province)
Xitou Village (Zhejiang Province)
Azheke Village (Yunnan Province)
Notably, Xiaogang Village is the second village in Anhui Province to receive this honor, following the renowned Xidi Village.
UNWTO Selection Criteria
Since its inaugural selection in 2021, the World's Best Tourist Village aims to:
Protect rural natural resources and landscapes.
Preserve cultural diversity through sustainable tourism.
Promote economic, social, and ecological development via the tourism industry.
The selection process evaluates villages based on:
Cultural and Natural Resources: Assessing the richness and preservation of local heritage.
Tourism Development: Evaluating the growth and integration of tourism within the village.
Sustainable Practices: Ensuring long-term ecological and economic viability.
This year, 48 villages from 24 countries were shortlisted, with 15 villages from China, making it the country with the most selections globally.
Xiaogang Village's Journey to Excellence, China's first village for rural reform
Known as China's first village for rural reform, Xiaogang Village has continuously embraced reform and innovation. Key initiatives include:
+ Tourism Development: Integrating tourism into the village's growth strategy.
Ecological Preservation: Maintaining the rural green landscape.
Cultural Activation: Revitalizing local history and traditions.
Industrial Integration: Combining tourism with agriculture and other rural industries.
These efforts have established Xiaogang Village as a harmonious and beautiful rural model conducive to living, working, and traveling.
Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement
Xiaogang Village places a strong emphasis on cultural heritage protection and revitalization by:
Introducing Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects: Including the Fengyang Flower Drum and Wood Oil Pressing.
Establishing a Live Broadcast Base: Showcasing traditional cultural practices.
Hosting Annual Festivals: Such as the Xiaogang Village Grape Cultural Tourism Festival and the Xiaogang Folk Street Parade, which foster cultural exchanges and community engagement.
Annual Events in Xiaogang Village
Grape Cultural Tourism Festival
Grape cultural tourism Date: Late August (English calendar), 7th or 8th lunar month (Chinese calendar).
Highlights: Showcases grape harvests with cultural performances and local delicacies.
Harvest Festival
harvest Festival Date: Late September or early October (English calendar), 15th day of the 8th lunar month (Chinese calendar).
Highlights: Celebrates traditional farming practices with displays and interactive activities.
Xiaogang Folk Street Parade
Xiaogand folk street Date: October 1st (English calendar), National Day celebrations.
Highlights: Features vibrant cultural performances and community engagement.
Fengyang Flower Drum Performances
Fengyang flower drum Date: Throughout the year, with special showcases during festivals.
Highlights: Traditional singing and dancing reflecting Xiaogang's cultural heritage.
Sustainable Development and Future Plans
The village's commitment to sustainable development is evident through:
Harmonious Village Construction: Enhancing the rural environment. Xiaogang Village, recognized as one of the 52 Best Villages and the World's Best Village for Tourism, focuses on creating a harmonious rural environment. Through green landscaping, eco-friendly initiatives, and community-driven projects, it has set a benchmark for sustainable village development. These efforts make Xiaogang a model for rural living, working, and tourism.
Comprehensive Rural Reform: Piloting projects that integrate tourism, culture, and agriculture.Comprehensive rural reform in Xiaogang Village has focused on integrating tourism, culture, and agriculture to drive sustainable development. Initiatives include restoring local traditions, promoting cultural tourism, and merging agricultural practices with tourism ventures. Recognized among the 52 best villages, Xiaogang is celebrated as the world’s best village for tourism, exemplifying rural revitalization through its balanced approach to economic and cultural progress.
Economic Growth: Promoting high-quality and sustainable economic development through tourism.Xiaogang Village has leveraged tourism to foster high-quality and sustainable economic growth by creating jobs, boosting local enterprises, and enhancing villagers' income through collectively-owned initiatives. Recognized among the 52 best villages and celebrated as the world’s best village for tourism, it has successfully merged cultural heritage with tourism to drive long-term prosperity and rural revitalization.
Conclusion
Xiaogang Village's recognition as the World's Best Tourist Village 2024 underscores its exemplary efforts in sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. This achievement not only elevates the village's status but also serves as a model for rural revitalization and tourism development nationwide.
Plan Your Visit to Xiaogang Village
Experience the charm of Xiaogang Village firsthand, Explore its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant community events. Plan Your Trip Now and immerse yourself in the beauty and tradition that make Xiaogang Village a top tourist destination in December 2024.
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