Cultural tourism project targets poverty alleviation in Shanwei

Luoxi Valley, a tourism project aimed at helping local residents shake off poverty, opened to visitors on June 1 in Outian village, Shanwei, South China's Guangdong province.

The poverty-stricken area in eastern Guangdong has thus been transformed into a livable village with pleasant landscapes and rich entertainment facilities.

Due to its remote geographical location and poor industrial conditions, Outian village faced several challenges that crippled much of the region and stymied development, including undeveloped infrastructure, lagging public services, and lack of production skills.

Though blessed with rich tourism resources, local farmers in the region have long faced difficult circumstances.

In June 2017, the Pingshan district government (Shenzhen), Luhe county government and Shenzhen-based culture and tourism giant OCT Group signed on to collaborate on the culture tourism project, striving to offer a new path to prosperity for local residents.

An aerial view of the Luoxi Valley culture and tourism project in Outian village, Shanwei, South China's Guangdong province. [Photo/WeChat account: luhexuanchuan]

"The development of the poverty-stricken area hinges on its endogenous power and is supported by industries," Pingshan district Party secretary Lv Yuyin pointed out.

Lv proposed bringing leading companies to Luhe county and held talks with the high-level leadership of a subsidiary of Shenzhen OCT Group.

"Helping local farmers out of poverty can be achieved by developing rural tourism," said Tu Zhiming, deputy head of Luhe county, adding that various resources in Luhe county, including land, natural scenery, folk customs, and culture can be exploited, and local residents should be motivated to start up a business and take full advantage of their inherent vitality.

Luhe county, populated by many Hakka people, has a rich and profound Hakka culture and a unique architectural style, representing the diverse culture of the ethnic group.

Costing a total of 100 million yuan ($15.58 million), the Luoxi Valley project is divided into two phases, with the first phase having begun in September 2017.

A newly opened shop in Luoxi Valley selling special agricultural products of Luhe county. [Photo/WeChat account: luhexuanchuan]

The project, which takes into account the local situation, presents a perfect combination of local ethnic culture and gorgeous natural resources, and allows tourists to immerse themselves in Hakka ethnic culture and learn more about the county.

In addition to the architecture and customs, visitors can get also try out distinctive foods and culinary specialties, read books in a quiet and peaceful bookstore, make tea and form friendships in a teahouse, and experience the joy of farming.

By integrating and utilizing internal resources, the project is helping create a sustainable economic system and exploring ways of alleviating poverty through tourism, something that is worth replicating and promoting.

A teahouse is surrounded by gorgeous scenery. [Photo/WeChat account: luhexuanchuan]

It is expected that the annual operation income will reach 6.4 million yuan. By 2020, the tourism project is expected to create 1,000 new jobs for local residents and receive about 200,000 tourists every year, with tourism revenue totaling 50 million yuan.

In the future, Luoxi Valley is expected to become a popular global travel destination. New brands will be formed in the cultural and creative industries and the tourism service, leisure agriculture, and rural entertainment industries will grow, bringing in a steady income for the local poor.