Now, China is Transforming Ancient Villages into Wellness Tourism Hotspots: A Perfect Blend of Culture, Health, and Community Development in 2025

Published on October 17, 2025

In the heart of China, Jincheng city is setting a new standard for wellness tourism through the revitalization of its ancient villages. In early October 2025, during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, Jincheng’s tourism industry witnessed a surge in activity as the city introduced a series of innovative cultural and wellness-driven initiatives. These efforts are centered around the integration of cultural heritage with wellness tourism, using immersive experiences, heritage preservation, and digital technologies to create a sustainable model for tourism development.

By leveraging its deep historical roots and rich cultural assets, Jincheng has been successful in transforming its rural villages into vibrant destinations that not only attract visitors but also promote local cultural and ecological preservation. The city’s ancient villages and castles are now core carriers of cultural tourism, driving both consumption and community revitalization. This strategy emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between culture and wellness, where the preservation of historical landmarks enhances the wellness tourism sector, creating a thriving ecosystem for visitors and local communities alike.

Jincheng’s wellness tourism model is built on the foundation of cultural heritage, ecological tourism, and health preservation, offering a comprehensive and diversified tourism experience. As part of these revitalization efforts, the city is working to transform its ancient villages into scenic zones, providing visitors with access to high-end accommodations, cultural experiences, and wellness services.

Key Highlights of Jincheng’s Wellness Tourism Model:

• Cultural and Ecological Integration: Ancient villages such as Yuchi Village and Lianghu Village blend cultural immersion with wellness activities, creating an integrated tourism experience that focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Heritage Preservation: The Huangcheng Five Villages in Beiliu Town feature the Royal Prime Minister’s Palace and Guoyu Ancient City, alongside wellness-focused facilities like the Taiyue Spirit Practice Center, offering visitors a holistic approach to health and history.
• Wellness-Themed Villages: Villages like Yuchi Village in Qinshui County, known for its ecological advantages, combine cultural experiences with health preservation, reinforcing the concept of wellness tourism as a cornerstone of Jincheng’s cultural tourism strategy.

Jincheng’s Ancient Village Revitalization Model

In recent years, Jincheng has taken proactive steps to leverage its ancient villages and historical sites for cultural tourism. The city has successfully turned 18 villages into A-level scenic areas, adding tourism infrastructure and elevating these rural areas into thriving destinations.

The Huangcheng Five Villages: A Model of Diversified Development

The Huangcheng Five Villages in Beiliu Town serve as a prime example of Jincheng’s successful approach to tourism and cultural preservation. By integrating historical landmarks like the Royal Prime Minister’s Palace and Guoyu Ancient City, these villages have transformed into major scenic spots. The area is home to a 5A-level scenic spot, high-end hotels, boutique inns, and the Taiyue Spirit Practice Center, which offers a blend of wellness tourism and cultural experiences. These changes have not only enhanced the cultural landscape but have also created employment opportunities for over 3,000 local residents, generating a cycle of growth and economic prosperity.

Wellness and Ecological Integration: Yuchi and Lianghu Villages

• Yuchi Village in Qinshui County is capitalizing on its ecological advantages and the cultural influence of writer Zhao Shuli to create a wellness-themed village. This village combines cultural experiences with health preservation services, promoting mental and physical wellness through its picturesque natural surroundings and wellness-focused infrastructure.
• Lianghu Village, known for its preserved Ming and Qing-era architecture, combines intangible cultural heritage with wellness activities. The village promotes the integration of ancient villages, wellness, and experiential learning, offering a unique opportunity for tourists to engage with both the history and health practices of the area.

The Suzhuang Village Experience: Revitalizing Traditional Wedding Customs

Jincheng’s approach to wellness tourism also includes the revitalization of traditional customs. Suzhuang Village, identified as the “Town of Weddings”, has repurposed its traditional courtyards to offer wedding tourism experiences. This initiative is part of Jincheng’s broader “Hundred Villages and Hundred Courtyards” project, which aims to preserve and share the region’s traditional wedding customs with visitors.

Synergy Between Culture and Tourism

Jincheng’s strategy goes beyond simply offering traditional wellness tourism. It focuses on creating a cultural tourism ecosystem that integrates both wellness and heritage. Each village is carefully developed with its unique characteristics in mind, and the city is ensuring that tourism benefits the local population through job creation and economic revitalization. These strategies form the foundation of the city’s wellness tourism ecosystem, with health and well-being being core elements of the visitor experience.

Through the revitalization of its ancient villages, Jincheng is not only preserving its cultural heritage but also enhancing the wellness tourism sector. The city is creating a model that integrates cultural immersion, ecological tourism, and wellness practices, offering tourists a complete and transformative experience. This approach is poised to set a new benchmark for sustainable tourism development in China, where cultural preservation, wellness, and community development coexist harmoniously.

Jincheng’s “Wellness Tourism” Ecosystem

By adopting a holistic model that links culture and wellness, Jincheng is promoting sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and the local community. The city’s unique blend of wellness tourism and cultural tourism offers a diverse experience for travelers who seek not only relaxation and rejuvenation but also a deeper connection with the history and culture of the area.

• Cultural Immersion: Tourists can explore ancient architecture, engage with intangible cultural heritage, and participate in local festivals.
• Health and Wellness: Visitors can enjoy a range of wellness offerings, from spiritual practices at the Taiyue Spirit Practice Center to ecological wellness retreats.
• Community Impact: Local residents benefit from job opportunities created by the tourism industry, while cultural heritage sites are preserved and revitalized.

This Jincheng model offers a compelling example of how ancient village revitalization can lead to sustainable growth in the wellness tourism sector. The city’s unique blend of cultural richness and wellness-focused tourism sets it apart as a destination of the future.