National park innovations see humans, nature flourish together

Immersive experience

Xingcun town, nestled in the heart of the Wuyi Mountains, has integrated tea culture and tourism on its path to development.

Wu Wang, mayor of the town, said that with its strong emphasis on ecological protection, Xingcun has eradicated polluting industries.

The town has 4,223 hectares of tea plantations, over 2,000 related enterprises and factories, and nearly 10,000 people engaged in tea production, processing, and marketing. The total output value of the town's tea industry reached 2.3 billion yuan last year.

One of Xingcun's special tourism offerings is the "tea journey". Visitors can participate in activities such as tea picking, processing and tasting.

They can also walk through scenic tea fields, stay in tea-themed accommodation, and enjoy meals infused with tea elements, Wu said.

The town is also moving beyond cultivation, and has started making tea-related goods, including snacks and beauty and skin care products, such as face masks, he added.

The tea industry accounts for 70 percent of the local economy, while cultural tourism makes up the remaining 30 percent. The average annual income of residents has reached 31,000 yuan thanks to these development efforts, Wu said.

In addition to the tea-themed tourism, the national park's natural beauty is also a major visitor attraction, he said.

In May this year, Wuyishan National Park's No. 1 Scenic Byway started operations. Spanning 251 kilometers, the scenic route winds through important ecosystems, stunning landscapes, natural heritage attractions, and showcases the abundant biodiversity of the national park.

As visitors drive along the road, they can explore dense forests and view crescent-shaped waterfalls, plus exotic birds and butterflies. They might also encounter a large group of national second-class protected Tibetan macaques on the road near Tongmu village.

Cai Xin, a tourist from Shanghai, has fond memories of her visits to the Wuyi Mountains in June.

Hiking through mountains and drifting on the Jiuqu stream, Cai said she was impressed by the endless greenery, and the singing of birds and buzzing of cicadas.

"It was an unforgettable experience," she said, adding she felt like she could dive into the natural beauty.

"The trees look ancient, full of history, and yet they gave me a sense of rejuvenation," she said, adding that the tour helped her forget the pressure of city life and reconnect with nature.

Deng Jiahui contributed to this story.