Liujiang is a district located in the natural karst region of Guangxi, renowned for its flowing rivers and rice paddies. In recent years, the district has leveraged its thriving rural industry and dynamic agricultural economy to develop its tourism business. In the first three quarters of this year, Liujiang District received a total of 5.9975 million visitors, with tourism revenue reaching 6.006 billion yuan (US$850.26 million), a significant increase compared to the previous year.
It appears that local residents have recognized the potential of their natural and rural areas, not only for agriculture but also for tourism. With the emergence of initiatives by local community groups, nature-based tourism models have emerged. Local youth have activated several previously unmanaged lands into recreational parks. Management and investment methods carried out independently and collectively are considered more effective and sustainable than waiting for government intervention.
Farming villages in Liujiang, such as Baipeng, Silang, and Jilong, once sleepy and uncrowded, now boast theme parks that blend nature and cutting-edge technology. Local residents not only have a place to relax and entertain themselves, but also welcome visitors from outside their region. Naturally, this has also sparked the emergence of complementary tourism offerings, such as culinary experiences at riverside huts or cooking workshops near rice paddies, which attract many visitors from the city.
This emerging movement in these villages has diversified tourism in Guangxi, extending beyond the mere sights of karst mountains and river rafting that have long been synonymous with the region.
