Thursday, April 18, 2024
Li Jinwu, a ferryman with nearly three decades of experience on the Yellow River in Nanchangtan Village, Zhongwei City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, has been a firsthand witness to the substantial transformations that have taken place in his hometown. This village, which lies in the crescent-shaped riverbank, has been pivotal in the region’s culture and economy, boasting a history that extends beyond a millennium. It is notably the first village along the Yellow River’s path through Ningxia, a critical position that has shaped its historical and contemporary significance.
The village’s geographical challenges once isolated its residents, necessitating ferry services to connect it with the outer world, a role Li Jinwu has fulfilled for over 28 years. Over this period, the demand for ferry services has evolved significantly, transitioning from a simple boat to more sophisticated ferries that were introduced in 1996 and later in 2012, with the latest ferry being capable of transporting six vehicles and numerous passengers. This upgrade was driven by the increasing number of tourists and vehicles visiting the village, particularly during the annual pear blossom festival in April, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors.
The pear blossom festival is not just a cultural highlight but also a major economic boon for the village, as these events significantly increase the ferrying income. Nanchangtan is renowned for its over 160 pear trees, some of which are more than 300 years old. The rich Yellow River culture, combined with the village’s agricultural legacy and significant archaeological finds from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, led to its designation as a historic and cultural village in 2008.
Furthering the village’s tourist appeal, the local leadership has been proactive in promoting rural tourism. Since 2004, the village has hosted numerous cultural and harvest festivals, enhancing local incomes and preserving its rustic charm. Li Gang, a local aged 53, shared how he and his wife converted their home into a homestay that caters to the surge in tourism, accommodating up to 30 guests for lodging and 50 for dining. According to Li Gang, the response has been overwhelming, with their homestay fully booked nearly every weekend from the pear blossom season in April to the harvest festival in October.
The impact of tourism on the village is quantifiable, with a notable increase in the per capita disposable income, reaching about 2,000 U.S. dollars in 2023. Visitors like Liu Ruixue from northern Inner Mongolia have expressed profound appreciation for the village’s ability to offer an intimate connection with nature and a glimpse into the primitive rural lifestyle, enhanced by the scenic beauty of the Yellow River and the starlit nights.
In conclusion, Nanchangtan Village exemplifies how targeted cultural tourism can transform a historically significant but geographically challenged location into a thriving tourist destination, thereby boosting local economies and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
[Image Source: China.org]
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
