By tf-lawyer.com During the recent National Day holiday, Xiyang County in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, saw an extraordinary boom in tourism, drawing visitors from across the nation eager to experience the unique blend of agriculture and culture in their travel adventures.
As tourists arrived at the picturesque photography village of Xinwaigou, they were welcomed by the cheerful sounds of silver jewelry clinking and vibrant skirts rustling in the breeze. This charming atmosphere exemplified Xiyang County’s new initiative, which attracted an impressive average of around 10,000 visitors daily throughout the holiday.
The county has ingeniously repurposed its local resources, particularly the historic Mao Family Courtyard—an array of Qing Dynasty buildings—into an engaging travel photography venue. Enthusiastic visitors flocked to this shared photography base, eager to capture memorable moments while immersing themselves in traditional culture. “I chose a stunning Miao-style outfit for my photoshoot, and I can’t wait to see how they turn out,” said visitor Chang Juanzhu.
In addition to Xinwaigou, a vibrant folk street known as “That Year in Xiyang” became another popular destination. Special events were held during the holiday, including performances that allowed guests to express their patriotic feelings, fostering a sense of national pride. “I traveled all the way from Yangquan. I wish for our country’s prosperity and improved living standards for everyone,” shared tourist He Nai.
The atmosphere was lively, with traditional folk performances occurring throughout the day. The sounds of energetic dancing, powerful drumbeats, and engaging storytelling enchanted visitors, showcasing the unique appeal of Xiyang’s folk culture. “The holiday spirit here is amazing! Joyful performances and the vintage feel of the street take me back to my childhood. The local food is delicious, and I plan to return with my family next time,” exclaimed tourist Zhao Qianqian.
This season, Xiyang has evolved into a flourishing cultural tourism hub. This small coal-based town has crafted a fresh identity through the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism. Visitors also have access to a variety of attractions, including the AAAA-rated Dazhai Red Tourism site, the Northern Wei Dynasty’s Stone Horse Temple, the picturesque “Little Jiuzhai” at Nanhaoyu, Chongwa Ridge’s Muyu Forest Camp, the tranquil Guozhuang Reservoir camping site, and the serene Xiahe Source Cultural Theme Park, all available for free.
“This holiday, we decided to explore a nearby spot. Not only is there no entrance fee, but we also get to enjoy free performances and sample an array of unique dishes!” remarked visitor Li Shengnan, clearly delighted by her experience.
Another visitor, Wu Hui, shared, “We visited the camping base at Guozhuang Reservoir, Chongwa Ridge, and the folk street ‘That Year in Xiyang.’ Each location is a visual treat, and the experience was fantastic! We loved the charm of Xinwaigou, the environment is wonderful, and the locals are incredibly friendly. We definitely plan to come back next holiday.”
According to statistics, Xiyang County welcomed over 400,000 tourists during the holiday period, marking a staggering year-on-year increase of 1828.80%. Overall income exceeded 2.1 million yuan, experiencing remarkable growth of 565.01%. Looking ahead, Xiyang County intends to delve deeper into its cultural resources and develop more distinctive local tourism projects to ensure sustainable growth in its tourism industry.
