In recent years, Liancheng County in Longyan City, Fujian Province, has leveraged its rich red (revolutionary), green (ecological), ancient (historical), and distinctive cultural resources to develop the Guanzhaishan Tourism Economic Development Zone, with Guanzhaishan and Peitian Ancient Village as its core. The county has been actively promoting the construction of the “Red, Ancient, Green, and Special” study and experiential tourism corridor, forming a cultural tourism development framework of “two cores, one zone, one belt, and one corridor.” By deepening the integration of “tourism + culture,” “cultural tourism + ecology,” “tourism + wellness,” and “tourism + study programs,” Liancheng is advancing the high-quality development of its cultural tourism industry.
Red Tourism Empowering Cultural Tourism for Quality Growth
Visiting red landmarks, exploring historical revolutionary sites, and paying tribute to revolutionary martyrs—these experiences have gained significant traction as Liancheng’s red tourism sector flourishes. Since the beginning of the year, a series of revolutionary sites and educational bases, such as the Xinquan Rectification Site, Songmaoling Battlefield Site, Zhang Nansheng General Exhibition, and Xiang Nan Comrade Memorial Exhibition, have attracted visitors from across the country, further strengthening the county’s reputation as a prime destination for red tourism.
Red Heritage: The Foundation of Liancheng’s Cultural Identity. Red is the defining color of Liancheng. As a revolutionary holy land and one of the well-known old revolutionary base areas and Central Soviet counties, Liancheng holds a significant place in China’s revolutionary history. The Fourth Red Army conducted the famous Xinquan Rectification here. The county boasts a wealth of red cultural resources, with 115 immovable red cultural heritage sites covering 149 locations, and 103 of these sites (128 locations) are listed in national and provincial revolutionary cultural relic catalogs.
In recent years, Liancheng has leveraged its rich revolutionary history, abundant red resources, and legacy of revolutionary pioneers to promote the comprehensive protection, exploration, and utilization of red cultural resources. These efforts have significantly enhanced the county’s reputation and influence in red tourism, reinforcing the cultural foundation of its tourism industry.
Integrating Culture and Tourism: Revitalizing Rural Tourism
Liancheng is a key homeland of Hakka culture, carrying a deep cultural heritage. The county is home to 14 officially recognized Traditional Chinese Villages and 3 National Historic and Cultural Villages. Additionally, eight local cultural elements, including Minxi Hakka Shifan music, Minxi Han Opera, and Shaopao (firecracker ritual), are listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage items. Sibao Woodblock Printing, one of the four major woodblock printing bases in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, also originates from Liancheng. Meanwhile, Peitian Ancient Village, with over 800 years of history and its unique “Nine Halls and Eighteen Wells” architectural layout, is often referred to as the “People’s Forbidden City” and a model of traditional Hakka culture.
Liancheng remains committed to the principle of preserving while developing and developing while preserving. The county is actively advancing the protection and sustainable use of traditional villages through large-scale conservation projects. These efforts aim to retain local residents, preserve cultural roots, and keep the nostalgia of rural life alive, ultimately injecting new momentum into rural revitalization and bringing historical villages back to life with both ancient charm and modern vitality.
Revitalizing Peitian Ancient Village: A Model of Cultural Heritage Activation. Peitian Ancient Village has successfully preserved and revitalized its historical architecture through a combined strategy of “holistic protection + tourism activation.” By integrating Hakka culture and red (revolutionary) culture, the village has significantly boosted its cultural tourism industry. From 2013 to 2023, the number of visitors surged from 40,500 to 578,000, while tourism revenue soared from 1.06 million yuan to 19.86 million yuan. Meanwhile, the average annual income of villagers increased from 7,000 yuan to 30,000 yuan. This transformation has fostered a harmonious coexistence between cultural heritage and nature, achieving both economic prosperity and ecological sustainability.
Writing a New Chapter in Ecological Tourism
Liancheng is a paradise of ecological beauty, boasting a forest coverage rate of 81.7%. Leveraging this natural advantage, the county is actively developing innovative “ecology + tourism” products and experiences, with Guanzhaishan — a national 5A-level tourist attraction — as a key driver. Centered around the “One Mountain, One Field” concept, featuring Guanzhaishan and Peitian Ancient Village, Liancheng is connecting scenic spots into a cohesive tourism network. By integrating natural landscapes, Hakka culture, and agricultural heritage, the county is shifting from traditional sightseeing tourism to a diversified tourism model, enriching visitors’ experiences while preserving its ecological and cultural treasures.
The picture shows Guanzhi Mountain Scenic Area
Multifaceted Strategies for Upgrading Liancheng’s Cultural Tourism. Liancheng County has adopted a comprehensive approach to enhance the quality and development of its cultural tourism sector. Efforts include strengthening the branding of cultural, sports, and tourism initiatives, particularly by boosting the influence of the “Danxia Hot Spring Tour” brand. The county continues to host large-scale sports tourism events such as the Guanzhaishan Marathon, the Guanzhaishan Cycling Race, and the Cross-Strait Baseball and Softball Tournament, integrating sports with tourism to attract visitors. Heritage conservation and cultural preservation remain key priorities. Liancheng has established several intangible cultural heritage (ICH) demonstration bases and implemented various cultural relics protection projects. The county recently completed the designation of 33 newly recognized protected sites as part of its 12th batch of county-level cultural heritage sites. Additionally, Liancheng has developed a “Liancheng Cultural Heritage Guide Map” mini-program, integrating VR technology to enhance public access to historical and architectural resources, making cultural sites more interactive and engaging.To elevate its tourism marketing efforts, Liancheng continues to promote its signature tourism slogan, “Guanzhaishan Scenery, Priceless Liancheng”, while expanding digital and offline marketing strategies. Special focus is placed on enhancing the promotion of Danxia Hot Spring tours.
From January to September 2024, Liancheng received 10.25 million visitors, marking a 9.9% year-on-year increase, while total tourism revenue reached 12.29 billion yuan, reflecting a 22% growth compared to the previous year.Moving forward, Liancheng will remain committed to high-quality development by tapping deeper into its red (revolutionary), green (ecological), ancient (historical), and distinctive cultural resources. The county aims to continuously diversify its cultural and tourism offerings, providing more high-quality cultural and sports tourism products. As Liancheng’s tourism economy continues to flourish, this land is set to shine even brighter in the future.
(By Zhang Kemeng)
Media Contact
Company Name: Liancheng County People’s Government
Contact Person: Chen Changcheng
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Country: China
Website: http://www.fjlylc.gov.cn/