Village Stays Boom: China’s New Rural Getaway

Move over, city breaks — China’s latest travel trend is all about trading skyscrapers for rice paddies! Urban dwellers are flocking to villages for short-term stays, sparking a rural tourism revolution tied to the country’s revitalization efforts. Related videos have racked up a staggering 300 million views on short-form platforms, proving that #CountrysideCore is having a moment.

So what’s the appeal? Think hands-on farming lessons, bamboo forest yoga sessions, and cozy nights in traditional courtyard homes. 'City folks want authenticity,' says farmer-turned-host Li Wei, who’s tripled his income by converting his family homestead into a guesthouse. 'They’ll pay to harvest vegetables they could easily buy at supermarkets.'

This isn’t just a vibe shift — it’s an economic game-changer. Rural workers gain new revenue streams through homestays, agro-tourism, and artisan workshops. Meanwhile, visitors get a digital detox that’s part wellness retreat, part cultural deep-dive. With young travelers prioritizing experiences over souvenirs, experts predict this sector could grow faster than K-pop’s global fanbase.

But can it last? Officials are betting yes, with sustainable infrastructure upgrades and training programs to help villages scale responsibly. As one Beijing-based traveler put it: 'This isn’t just a vacation — it’s like living in a real-life Stardew Valley.'

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New form of tourism offers urban residents short stays in villages

cgtn.com