Manhai Village in Pu’er City Thrives Through Sustainable Tourism, Offering Cultural Experiences, Homestays and Entrepreneurial Opportunities for the Future Growth

Published on December 21, 2025

Manhai Village is located in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, Pu’er City, and is turning out to be a model for sustainable tourism and rural revitalization. From being a poor village, Manhai successfully utilized its cultural heritage and natural beauty to develop a prosperous tourism industry that has benefited the local people as well as the tourists. The transformation in this village into a cultural tourism hub is the contribution of the local government and businesses, integrating practices of sustainable tourism into the traditional identity and customs of the village.

Harnessing Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Growth

At the heart of Manhai’s revitalization is its rich cultural heritage, particularly in crafts such as bamboo weaving. The village has effectively utilized this tradition by offering study tour classes and creating cultural and creative products that resonate with visitors. The focus on intangible cultural heritage not only provides a unique experience for tourists but also fosters cultural preservation. As tourists engage in learning about local crafts, they help preserve these traditions, making it a sustainable tourism model that benefits both the culture and the economy.

Moreover, the introduction of homestays—where idle houses have been converted into accommodations—is a sustainable way to enhance the tourism experience. Local families are trained to run homestays, offering visitors an authentic and immersive experience. This approach not only provides income for local families but also ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are directly reinvested into the community, creating a virtuous cycle of economic growth and cultural preservation.

Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Community Empowerment

The integration of entrepreneurship training into the village’s tourism development is another key factor in ensuring long-term sustainable growth. Villagers have been trained to act as instructors during the study tours, guiding visitors through the village’s rich traditions and cultural experiences. This focus on skills development empowers the community, enabling local people to manage homestays, operate cultural workshops, and create tourism products that promote the region’s identity.

This model of community-based tourism fosters economic independence and entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging residents to take ownership of their tourism offerings while also contributing to the village’s sustainability. Through business opportunities, employment, and skills development, tourism in Manhai is helping create a self-sustaining community that thrives from the growth of the local tourism sector.

Future Impact on Sustainable Tourism in Rural China

Manhai’s success in sustainable tourism and rural revitalization can serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in rural China and beyond. As China’s tourism sector continues to expand, there is an increasing need for models of sustainable development that do not compromise the environment or local culture. Manhai’s approach is showing that sustainable tourism can be both a driver of economic growth and a means of preserving the cultural heritage of rural communities.

The future of tourism in rural regions of China lies in the integration of local culture with eco-conscious practices. Manhai Village has shown that by focusing on the authenticity of the local experience, investing in community empowerment, and adopting eco-friendly tourism practices, a destination can grow its tourism industry in a sustainable manner. This will be crucial as more travelers seek authentic, responsible travel experiences that allow them to connect with nature and culture while minimizing their environmental impact.

Attracting Sustainable Investment: A Future Model for Rural Tourism

As tourism demand for eco-conscious and sustainable travel continues to rise, destinations like Manhai Village will be in a strong position to attract both domestic and international investments. Investors are increasingly looking to support sustainable tourism ventures that offer a long-term impact, benefiting both local communities and the environment. By showcasing the success of community-driven tourism, Manhai will help encourage future sustainable tourism investments, which will be critical to the ongoing development of rural tourism in China.

In addition, the expansion of eco-tourism and adventure tourism in China presents new opportunities for rural destinations like Manhai to attract a broader spectrum of visitors. As travelers continue to prioritize experiential and sustainable travel, destinations offering immersive cultural experiences and access to nature-based activities will see increasing demand. Manhai’s focus on cultural and natural heritage, combined with sustainable tourism practices, positions it as a leading example of how rural tourism can thrive in an eco-conscious world.

Local and Global Impact: Manhai as a Cultural Tourism Hub

Manhai’s future impact extends beyond local economic growth. As it continues to develop into a hub for cultural tourism, it will attract more international visitors eager to experience China’s diverse cultural traditions. The village is poised to become a key destination for those seeking to explore the rich history of ethnic minorities in China, while enjoying the benefits of sustainable travel and cultural exchange.

Global tourism trends indicate that the demand for authentic cultural experiences is growing, and Manhai Village is at the forefront of providing these experiences in a way that respects and celebrates the local culture. As more international travelers seek destinations that offer culturally enriching and environmentally sustainable experiences, Manhai’s tourism model will be a reference point for future growth in rural tourism across China and other parts of the world.

Manhai Village – A Model for Sustainable and Culturally Immersive Tourism

Manhai Village is the future of China’s rural tourism economy. By leveraging local culture, community investment, and eco-friendly practices, the village serves as a beacon for sustainable tourism that benefits both the locals and global travelers alike. The project of Manhai’s revitalization shows effectively the enterprise that encompasses cultural tourism, sustainability, and economic development in the transfiguration of an area that will grow an economy in a thriving vibrant society. As tourism across the world continues to grow, the village would serve other rural destinations with their own reasons for developing their economy through tourism without destroying their heritage and damaging the environment.