Shanxi scenic area recognized as model ecotourism destination

Shanxi's Yonghe Yellow River Qiankun Bay Scenic Area has made the "Typical Cases of Featured Ecotourism Destinations (First Batch)" list released by the Office of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration on May 12.

Located in the core section of the Yellow River's Shanxi-Shaanxi Grand Canyon, the Qiankun Bay Scenic Area spans 105.61 square kilometers. It boasts unique geological formations of the Yellow River's meanders, canyon landscapes, and cultural sites of the Loess Plateau.

Over four decades of ecological restoration efforts have increased forest coverage from 4.4 percent to 28.4 percent, with soil erosion control exceeding 72 percent, leading to a fundamental improvement in the area's ecological environment.

In recent years, the scenic area has prioritized protecting the Yellow River's meanders, coastal vegetation, and wildlife habitats. Initiatives include designating ecological conservation zones and establishing a Yellow River ecological monitoring network to preserve ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.

Concurrently, the area has developed a distinctive cultural tourism brand and a diverse range of tourism products, fostering deep integration between the scenic area's development and the surrounding communities.

The scenic area's ecological benefits are evident, with annual visitor numbers rising from 284,000 in 2021 to 496,000 in 2024, generating a tourism revenue of 92 million yuan ($13.56 million). Residents along the Yellow River have transitioned from traditional agriculture to tourism services, achieving a harmonious coexistence between people and nature while promoting cultural tourism and rural vitalization.