Guazhou County's Cultural Tourism Economic Circle Revitalizes Rural Economy

Strategic Insights -

Guazhou County in Gansu Province, China has made significant strides in developing its cultural tourism industry, leveraging its natural and cultural heritage to revitalize its rural economy. The county's strategic layout focuses on integrating development and "Culture and Tourism + " as its core, with a clear goal of rural revitalization through the deep integration of cultural and tourism industries. This approach has yielded impressive results, including increased rural tourism arrivals and significant economic growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Guazhou County has developed a comprehensive plan for cultural and tourism development, including the "Project Plan for the Protection of Historical Relics and the Cultural Tourism Industry Cluster in Suoyang Towns" and the "Gobi Sculpture Art Gallery Scenic Area Business Layout Plan."
  • The county has invested in infrastructure upgrades, including funding for townscapes, developing distinctive homestay clusters, and promoting the integration of tourism and transportation.
  • Innovative business models have been introduced, including a Gobi-themed online IP, 11 tourist routes centered around historical ruins and grottoes, and the development of cultural and creative products.
  • The county has hosted over 70 events and attracted over 5,000 participants through four outdoor sports camps and over 130 activities benefiting 22,000 people.
  • Guazhou has been recognized as one of the "100 Small Cities Worth Visiting in China" and has been actively promoting cultural tourism through various events and partnerships.

Statistics:

  • Rural tourism arrivals increased by 26% year-on-year from January to August.
  • Guazhou County welcomed 8 million tourists and generated 7 billion yuan in revenue from January to August.
  • By 2025, nine promotional events will be held in key source markets and 25 university promotional events will be participated in.
  • Guazhou County plans to develop 20 dedicated tourist buses running from Dunhuang Airport to Guazhou County and Suoyang Town.

Sources:

  • Guazhou County government press release (no date mentioned in the original text)
  • https://www.guazhou.gov.cn/guazhou/c100161/202509/1af7f09b24e64f8ca4fc5ae1878731f1.shtml