The "Voices from the Towns" initiative arrived in Huilong Town, Zhaoqing, on December 20, highlighting how this rural community in Guangdong is combining cultural heritage with modern tourism.
Huilong Town, known for its overseas Chinese heritage, is one of many towns participating in the provincial program aimed at boosting rural tourism. The event featured four distinct local attractions.
At Cat Paw Valley, the area's first national 4A-rated scenic area, visitors can interact with animals such as alpacas, flamingos, and capybaras in a natural setting.
Nearby, the Lüehu Flight Camp offers paragliding over 3,718 acres of conserved wetland forests. The camp also features water sports and off-road activities, forming an integrated "air, land, and water" tourism zone.
The 800-year-old Licha Village, a nationally recognized 3A scenic area, showcases a unique circular layout based on Bagua (Eight Trigrams) principles. The design once served as a flood-defense system for the community.
Local cuisine also plays a role in attracting visitors. Dishes like braised goose with river snails and freshwater prawns reflect the area's culinary traditions.
The event reflects broader efforts under Guangdong's "High-quality Development Project for Guangdong Counties, Towns and Villages" to promote rural revitalization through tourism. By pairing heritage sites with newer attractions, towns like Huilong aim to create sustainable economic opportunities while preserving local culture.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Zhaoqing Fabu
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
