Rural Revitalization in Yunnan: Manhai Village Embraces Tourism and Cultural Heritage to Attract Tourists and Entrepreneurs

Published on December 21, 2025

Manhai Village is located in the heart of Mojiang Hani Autonomous County in Pu’er City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. Manhai, with its unique cultural blend brought by its various ethnic groups, exemplifies rural revitalisation through tourism and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. Thanks to local government support and a focus on sustainable development, the village has successfully transformed itself into a thriving tourist destination, attracting both visitors and entrepreneurs.

Harnessing the Power of Cultural Heritage for Tourism

At the core of Manhai Village’s transformation is its rich cultural history. The village has a long-standing tradition of bamboo weaving, a skill passed down through generations. The local government has seized this cultural asset and turned it into an essential part of the village’s tourism offering. Through study tours and cultural workshops, tourists are now invited to learn the craft of bamboo weaving directly from the villagers. These classes not only offer a hands-on cultural experience but also create a deeper connection between visitors and the village’s ethnic heritage.

The local government has worked diligently to promote this intangible cultural heritage, enabling visitors to appreciate the art of bamboo weaving while also supporting local artisans. This fusion of cultural preservation and tourism development has breathed new life into Manhai Village, contributing to its growing popularity.

Rural Revitalization: Turning Idle Homes into Homestays

One of the most significant changes in Manhai Village has been the conversion of idle houses into homestays, providing visitors with an authentic rural experience. These homestays, which were once abandoned or underutilized, have been renovated to provide modern amenities while retaining the village’s traditional charm. The transformation of these homes into guesthouses is a vital part of the village’s economic growth, offering local residents the opportunity to generate income while welcoming tourists into their homes.

With the help of government training programmes, many villagers have been taught the necessary skills to run homestays successfully. They are now able to provide warm hospitality to tourists and ensure that their stay is comfortable and memorable. This initiative not only supports local families but also contributes to the wider goal of rural revitalization by turning what were once underused spaces into bustling businesses.

Study Tour Centers: Education Meets Culture

In addition to homestays, Manhai Village has introduced study tour centres, offering educational experiences for tourists, especially students, who are eager to learn about the local culture and environment. These centres focus on the rich traditions of the Hani people and the region’s natural beauty. Visitors can engage in a range of activities, from cultural workshops on bamboo weaving to hiking in the surrounding mountains, all designed to deepen their understanding of the area’s history and ecological significance.

These study tour centres are an integral part of the village’s rural revitalization strategy, providing not only a source of income but also an opportunity for cultural exchange. The introduction of these educational programmes has allowed Manhai to position itself as an emerging destination for cultural tourism, where visitors can immerse themselves in both the traditions of the past and the modern-day revitalization efforts taking place in the village.

Entrepreneurs and the Economic Growth of Manhai Village

As tourism has flourished in Manhai, the village has attracted a number of entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the growing demand for cultural and ecotourism experiences. The success of the homestays and study tours has inspired new businesses, including local handicraft shops, restaurants, and cafes, which have been opened by villagers and outsiders alike. These new ventures have injected a fresh dynamic into the village, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy.

Manhai’s thriving tourism industry has become a magnet for entrepreneurs seeking to start businesses in the area. Local residents who were once solely dependent on agriculture are now benefiting from the income generated by tourism and the small businesses that have sprung up. This entrepreneurial spirit is crucial to the long-term sustainability of the village’s rural revitalization efforts, as it ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are spread across the community.

Sustainable Development and the Role of Local Government

The transformation of Manhai Village has been made possible through the active involvement of the local government, which has supported the village’s revitalization efforts through various initiatives. These include financial support for the renovation of homestays, the promotion of cultural tourism, and the development of study tour programmes. Furthermore, the government has played a key role in providing training for local residents, helping them acquire the skills needed to operate successful homestays and tourist attractions.

Through these efforts, the local government has ensured that the benefits of tourism are not just confined to visitors but are also shared by the village’s residents. This approach has helped to build a sustainable tourism model in Manhai, where both cultural heritage and modern business practices coexist harmoniously.

A Bright Future for Manhai Village

Manhai Village is now a living example of the power of tourism to revitalise rural areas. The village’s success story demonstrates the power of combining cultural heritage with modern tourism practices to build a sustainable economic future. As more tourists visit the village and new businesses flourish, Manhai is poised for further growth and development.

The village’s emphasis on preserving its unique cultural traditions while embracing modern tourism serves as a model for other rural areas throughout China and beyond. Manhai Village is demonstrating that rural revitalisation is more than just preserving the past; it is also about creating a vibrant future in which culture, community, and business can thrive.

As Manhai grows as a cultural tourism destination, its story serves as an inspiration to other rural communities seeking to revitalise their economies and preserve their heritage. Manhai is laying the groundwork for a bright future, with tourism playing a critical role in the village’s continued success.