Ever wondered what happens when nature gets a massive "glow up"? In the Chinese mainland, the answer is a booming eco-tourism scene that's turning once-fragile landscapes into the ultimate travel goals! 🌍
China has been going all-in on large-scale land greening and ecological restoration. The results are honestly impressive. According to the 2025 China Land Greening Status Bulletin, by last year, the country completed afforestation of 3.563 million hectares and restored 4.927 million hectares of degraded grasslands. With a forest coverage rate now at 25.09%, the forestry and grassland industry is basically a powerhouse, with an output value nearing 11 trillion yuan (about $1.6 trillion) and providing jobs for over 60 million people. Talk about a win-win for the planet and the economy! 💼🌱
This "ecological miracle" is creating some seriously viral destinations. Take Libo County in southwest Guizhou Province, for example. The Xiaoqikong Scenic Area—often called the "Green Gem on Earth's Belt"—is famous for its stunning karst formations. During the May Day holiday earlier this month, it smashed records with over 70,000 visitors in a single day. With activities like hiking, heritage exploring, and transparent boating, visitors are staying longer and soaking in the vibes, boosting the local economy in the process. 🛶💎
Up north in Heilongjiang, Yichun City is living up to its nickname as the "Forest Metropolis." With a wild 83.8% forest coverage rate, it's the go-to spot for anyone looking to escape the heat. This May Day holiday, the city saw a 13.5% jump in visitors, and get this—online tourism spending surged by a massive 369.2%! 🌲❄️
But it's not just about the big landmarks. This green movement is breathing new life into rural areas. Currently, 19 Chinese villages are listed on the UN Tourism's "Best Tourism Villages" list—the highest count in the world! 🏆🏡
By turning "lush mountains and lucid waters" into invaluable assets, the "beautiful China" initiative is proving that sustainability isn't just a trend—it's a blueprint for building prosperous, green communities for the future. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
