On October 15, 2023, a delegation of 19 representatives from overseas Chinese media, hailing from 11 countries and regions, arrived in Kaili, located in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou Province. The group, participating in the “Chasing Dreams of China: Colorful Qiandongnan” initiative, visited Baifu Wanhuzhai to gain insights into an integrated wellness project that combines various industries to empower rural revitalization.
Baifu Wanhuzhai, established by overseas businessman Wu Jianping in 2018, focuses on sustainable development in the health and wellness sector. The project encompasses a range of offerings, including travel accommodations, dining, and cultural experiences rooted in Miao and Dong heritage. Since its pilot operation began in October 2021, Baifu Wanhuzhai has garnered regional brand recognition, emerging as a standout feature of Kaili’s health industry integration.
During the visit, the media representatives explored the Village Revitalization Reception Hall and the Red Qiandongnan Exhibition Hall, learning about the construction of the “Home for Overseas Chinese” in the stilt houses of Wanhuzhai.
“Guizhou’s rural areas benefit from unique natural landscapes and a wealth of cultural resources, making them ideal for developing tourism and wellness industries,” Wu Jianping explained. He emphasized the project’s deep exploration of Guizhou’s historical culture, traditional customs, pastoral beauty, and unique industries, incorporating successful domestic and international case studies. This approach integrates education, agriculture, culture, and rural tourism into a comprehensive tourism development strategy.
Wu also highlighted that Baifu Wanhuzhai is the first “Home for Overseas Chinese” in Qiandongnan, utilizing its geographic advantages and operational experience to facilitate community engagement and cultural exchanges. This initiative provides platforms for overseas Chinese individuals and families to enhance learning, strengthen connections, and build friendships.
“Not only does this area boast stunning natural scenery, but it also features a vibrant industrial layout,” said Zhang Liang, editor-in-chief of the U.S.-based World Culture Report. He noted how Baifu Wanhuzhai merges local resources with modern industry, particularly through specialty agriculture and rural tourism, creating job opportunities and income avenues for residents. “Rural revitalization requires collective effort from all parties. The practices demonstrated at Baifu Wanhuzhai serve as a successful example, showcasing the immense potential for rural development.”
The visiting representatives expressed their commitment to promoting this successful rural revitalization case in their respective countries, fostering cultural and economic exchanges between China and the world. “Baifu Wanhuzhai has allowed us to witness the collision and fusion of different cultures, and we have profoundly experienced the remarkable changes brought about by rural revitalization. Such achievements are truly inspiring,” remarked Zhang Chunmei, executive president of Indonesia’s International Daily.
This event was guided by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, supported by the United Front Work Department of the Guizhou Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, and hosted by the Guizhou Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. The interview group has already engaged with various locales, including Guiyang and Qiandongnan, and is set to continue its journey into Tongren, showcasing a more authentic, three-dimensional representation of Guizhou to the world through the lens and narratives of overseas Chinese media.