发布于 14 年 2025 月 XNUMX 日
Fanjing Mountain, located in Southwest China’s Guizhou Province, has evolved into a leading ecotourism hotspot, drawing thousands of daily visitors, ever since it was declared a World Heritage Site in 2018. Famously known as Fanjingshan, the mountain is renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity as well as its considerable socio-economic advantages to the neighbouring communities. This remarkable integration of nature conservation along with economic advancement provides a sustainable model for the evolving tourism paradigm.
Fanjing Mountain, which rises to 2,570 metres in the Wuling Range, is gaining popularity rapidly. The peak, renowned for its Buddhist temples and diverse wildlife, now draws around 8,000 visitors per day during the summer months. The area’s tourism boom has provided a steady stream of jobs for locals who would otherwise have to migrate elsewhere for work. With its rich geological history and ecological importance, the mountain offers visitors more than just scenic views; it is a place where sustainable tourism and local livelihoods converge.
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The locals have embraced the mountain’s newfound popularity, seeing ecotourism as a means to uplift their communities. Over the past few years, local authorities have worked diligently to harness the region’s natural beauty to support its economy. This includes the development of homestays, restaurants, and various services around the base of the mountain, resulting in substantial tourism revenue. From 2019 to 2023, Fanjing Mountain’s scenic area saw a record-breaking 6.25 million visitors, generating an impressive 1.22 billion yuan ($170 million) in revenue.
The government has been a strong proponent of combining environmental protection with economic growth, a vision first articulated by President Xi Jinping. His principle of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” has guided the development strategy, where tourism revenue directly benefits the local population.
One of the key features of Fanjing Mountain’s development is the careful balance between increasing visitor numbers and preserving the environment. Local authorities have implemented several measures to protect the area’s unique ecosystem. These include a strict online booking system that limits visitor numbers, environmentally conscious infrastructure like electric vehicles, and careful planning of tourist routes to minimise impact on wildlife.
Fanjing Mountain’s conservation efforts have been further strengthened with a focus on its biodiversity. The region is home to the endangered Guizhou golden snub-nosed monkey, one of the world’s rarest primates. The mountain’s management has created ecological corridors to facilitate the movement of wildlife, ensuring their continued protection within the reserve.
Eco-tourism at Fanjing Mountain has provided new job opportunities for locals, particularly those involved in hospitality, tour guiding, and other mountain services. Tour guides, drivers, and other workers are predominantly from the surrounding villages, contributing directly to the region’s economic growth. With the mountain’s popularity soaring, the local tourism sector is now witnessing a 50% increase in annual revenue.
In addition to tourism, the region’s pristine environment has attracted industries like tea production. Gui Tea Group, a major tea producer, sources its high-quality matcha leaves from local farmers in the region, benefiting from the clean, fertile land that surrounds the mountain. The company’s expansion into the matcha market has seen products shipped to over 50 countries worldwide, proving that eco-tourism can have long-lasting effects on the local economy.
Despite the rapid growth in tourism, efforts to preserve the environment have remained a priority. The scenic area enforces several regulations to limit the environmental impact of visitors. For instance, the scenic routes have been carefully designed to shorten the length of visits while minimising human-wildlife interactions. The area also focuses on sustainable practices in tourism-related services, including the use of electric vehicles and fire prevention measures.
Moreover, regular environmental monitoring is carried out to ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem. Since the area was designated a nature reserve, 37 new species have been discovered, underscoring the importance of preserving Fanjing Mountain’s unique flora and fauna. The pristine water quality of the mountain, with all surface water in its core area meeting Grade I standards, further highlights the commitment to environmental preservation.
The achievement of Fanjing Mountain combining eco-tourism with the local economy illustrates a valuable example of how tourism can foster sustainability. Local people have been able to enjoy the economic opportunities brought by tourism, all the while, the region’s natural features are being preserved for the future. The story of the mountain, an underdeveloped region, to an ecotourism attraction with abundant opportunities for local employment and business.
The knowledge acquired from Fanjing Mountain will be particularly useful for the development of ecotourism not only in China but also globally. The region’s experience shows that it is feasible to conserve both the surroundings and the local community’s means of living with proper strategy and eco-friendly practices.
Image Credit: China Xian Tour Official Website
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