Xiangxi, Hunan, China - Jose Chavez, a visitor from Costa Rica, was captivated by stunning photos of waterfalls and traditional wooden houses nestled in the mountains on Chinese social media. Inspired by the images, he decided to visit Furong Town in Hunan's Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. “China is a convenient and beautiful place to visit," Chavez said. "I want to recommend it to my friends."

Furong Town, with a history spanning over 2,000 years, has experienced a surge in foreign tourists thanks to the popularity of China's tourism campaign. Li Lichao, deputy director of the Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture Culture and Tourism Bureau, noted, "In the past, it was rare to see foreign tourists, but now you can easily spot them on the streets."

Initiated in Shibadong Village in 2013, the "targeted poverty alleviation" policy lifted 98.99 million rural residents out of poverty. By 2020, all poverty-stricken areas had been lifted out of poverty. Xiangxi Prefecture capitalized on this success by developing its cultural tourism industry, transforming ancient towns like Furong, Fenghuang, and Aizhai into popular tourist destinations.

Combined with the "Visit China" campaign and the introduction of visitor-friendly policies such as visa exemptions and convenient payment services, foreign tourist arrivals in Xiangxi Prefecture have skyrocketed. In the first three quarters of this year, the number of foreign tourists increased by approximately four times compared to the same period last year, reaching 254,000. According to China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the number of international tourists visiting mainland China in the first nine months of this year increased by 55.4% year-on-year to 95 million.

Xiangxi Prefecture's success in developing tourism in previously impoverished areas serves as a model for sustainable development. English-speaking tour guide Su Yan expressed satisfaction, saying, "My schedule has been full with foreign tourists in recent months."

The combination of China's "Visit China" campaign and Xiangxi Prefecture's efforts has led to a significant increase in foreign tourists, boosting the local economy. This successful model demonstrates the potential for poverty alleviation and sustainable development through tourism.

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