A bird's-eye view of Shibadong Village [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Over the past decade, Shibadong village in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Hunan province has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Once an isolated and impoverished village, it has evolved into a modern community boasting improved infrastructure, thriving tourism and a pristine environment.
Long-table banquets at Shibadong Village [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In 2013, during an inspection of Hunan province, President Xi Jinping first introduced the concept of targeted poverty alleviation in Shibadong. At the time, the average annual income per capita for villagers was a mere 1,668 yuan ($231). However, with the support of government initiatives, this figure rose to 25,456 yuan last year after a decade of development.
Sunrise at Shibadong Village [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Perched atop mountains, Shibadong village is known for its superb vistas, verdant landscapes, traditional wooden dwellings, and clean air, making it a sought-after destination among tourists.
Miao Farming Festival [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Home to the Miao ethnic group, the village has preserved its ancient charm while refurbishing ancestral homes, restoring ancient pathways and introducing cultural experiences like Miao embroidery workshops and homestays to engage visitors in authentic folk activities.
Batik making [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
During the National Day Holiday in October, intangible cultural heritage performances took it in turn to captivate visitors to the village's tourist center square.
Visitors from different regions joined in exuberantly with the bamboo pole dance.
Miao embroidery at Shibadong Village [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
One of the key businesses in the village is Miao embroidery.
Shi Shunlian, a founder of the local Mao embroidery cooperative, emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional embroidery into modern life.
"We have seen a strong preference among visitors for items like computer bags, cushions, accessories, and small decorations that incorporate Miao embroidery elements," Shi says.
Miao bride [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Between January and September, the tourist footfall reached 689,021 visitors, with revenue amounting to around 146 million yuan, according to the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.
