Xiangxi: Where heritage, wilderness, and rural vitalization converge

WUXI, China, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

Shrouded in enduring mystery, the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Central China's Hunan province holds centuries-old ethnic traditions, untamed mountain landscapes, and dynamic rural vitalization awaiting discovery by global visitors.

From Sept 22 to 24, a delegation of international social media influencers embarked on a journey across the prefecture, bringing fresh perspectives to uncover local tales.

The journey began at Fenghuang Ancient Town, where traditional customs linger amid historic streets and scenic riverfronts. Donning ethnic Miao garments, participants sampled regional dishes and cruised the Tuojiang River alongside rows of stilt houses. On the river, Thai journalist Pichayapa Sutabutra sang a love song celebrating the bonds beyond wealth, social standing, and educational attainment.

Such encounters resonated deeply with the visitors. Nigerian content creator Oluwabunmi Jimoh highlighted Fenghuang's scenery, cuisine and cultural appeal, expressing a strong desire to bring more people to the region. "The National Day holiday is approaching, and I'd encourage everyone to come," he said.

French influencer Marius Etrillard echoed that enthusiasm, praising the architecture, clear waters, and variety of local experiences. "I can see why this place is rated as a 5A tourist attraction in China," he remarked.

The region offered further cultural riches as the delegation took in the night view of Furong town, famous for its cascading waterfalls. At Laosicheng, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they immersed themselves in the annals of ancient Tusi civilization. The winding lanes of Qianzhou Ancient Town, meanwhile, unfolded another layer of the region's enduring local customs.

Mountains frame not only Xiangxi's natural backdrop but also its social transformation. The delegation marveled at Aizhai Bridge's grand engineering above deep gorges and joined folk cooking activities amid daily life in Dehang Miao village.

At Shibadong village, the birthplace of China's targeted poverty-alleviation initiative, the delegation engaged in Miao embroidery and witnessed the village's comprehensive progress that epitomizes tangible gains of local rural vitalization.

"It is an honor to come to a place like this and see how local people have developed over time," said British influencer Joe Burns.

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn