‘The Yunnan Lifestyle: A Fresh Trend Captivating Adventurous Souls and Seniors Alike’

Yunnan province recorded an extraordinary 168 percent rise in overnight inbound tourists last year, with nearly 3.9 million individuals spending the night in the area, as stated by provincial officials.

The phenomenon, described as “traveling and residing in Yunnan,” has gained traction, according to provincial Governor Wang Yubo.

This year, the province aims to enhance its image as a destination for long-term stays, targeting the attraction of 6 million visitors, Wang mentioned in a government work report delivered during the annual session of the 14th Yunnan Provincial People’s Congress, which commenced on Saturday.

Visitors are characterized as individuals from outside the province who remain in Yunnan for a minimum of two weeks but less than a full year. Their motivations for staying encompass tourism, relaxation, health recuperation, outdoor pursuits, and remote working, with the majority coming from domestic territories.

Initial projections suggest that in 2024, the count of visitors reached 3.89 million, reflecting a 20.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Senior citizens have also begun to recognize Yunnan.

“Yunnan has matured into a favored spot for elderly health care and habitation,” stated Zhu Zhiqiang, a representative of the provincial people’s congress and chairman of Yunnan Phoenix Cultural Tourism Group Co.

Zhu noted that numerous seniors from various domestic regions are opting to engage in the distinctive “Yunnan lifestyle.” His organization is working on a cultural tourism project in Yuanmou county, situated in the Chuxiong Yi autonomous prefecture.

“At our project, guests can lease apartments starting at 3,000 yuan ($410) monthly, which encompasses three daily meals, complimentary access to hot springs, and free use of recreational facilities,” Zhu added.

Officials from the local government indicated that the average housing price in Yuanmou stands at about 4,000 yuan per square meter, with government subsidies available for purchasers.

As per the county’s tourism and culture bureau, over 90,000 individuals currently reside in Yuanmou, constituting approximately half of the local permanent populace.

Yunnan’s natural allure, diverse culture, and agreeable climate continue to captivate both domestic and international travelers.

In November, the provincial culture and tourism department, alongside six other departments, initiated a three-year strategic plan to cultivate more than 3,000 essential villages catering to visitors by 2027.

The revitalization of Tuguachong in the Malong district of Qujing stands as a prototype for this project. A local cultural and tourism enterprise rejuvenated over 120 neglected homes in the village, integrating amenities such as bookstores, cafes, and art spaces.

“The newcomers to Tuguachong include content creators, artists, authors, and yoga instructors, as well as members of the local community,” stated Wu Jing, vice-mayor of Qujing and a member of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Qujing has adopted a market-driven strategy to develop villages for visitors, establishing mechanisms that benefit both farmers and businesses. Local villagers now have chances to work in agricultural processing facilities or embark on small ventures such as eateries and retail shops, Wu mentioned.

Currently, Qujing operates six villages for visitors with occupancy rates exceeding 90 percent and has identified an additional 331 villages potent for tourism development. Efforts to consolidate resources and broaden visitor-friendly infrastructure are ongoing, as indicated by Wu.

Contact the authors at zhangxiaomin@chinadaily.com.cn