In the summer vacation of 2023, Professor Deng Aimin, Director of the Department of Tourism Management in the School of Business Administration(SBA) of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law(ZUEL), led the research on rural tourism in Hubei Province.
Themed at rural revitalization, Chinese-style rural modernization and beautiful countryside construction, the research was carried out in Jianshi County, Qianjiang City, Dawu County and Huangshi City.
In Taihe Village of Jianshi County, Prof. Deng Aimin had an in-depth communication with local villagers and marveled at the profound culture and amazing ecological environment of Taihe Village, saying that the excellent traditional culture and beautiful natural environment are the important basis for rural tourism development and the core tourist attraction, and at the same time, it creates considerable income for the villagers.
The Metasequoia Garden on Wuji Street in Qianjiang City left a deep impression on Prof. Deng Aimin. The Metasequoia Garden, featuring Metasequoia, city tree of the Qianjiang City, serves as a rural tourist attraction integrating leisure, sightseeing and entertainment. The Metasequoia Garden is highly comprehensive local garden, with a rich variety of fitness and entertainment programs. While enjoying the beautiful Metasequoia forest, tourists are also able to do some exercises. Prof. Deng Aimin believes that compared with crowded tourist sites, it may be a better choice for tourists to fully experience the beauty and tranquility of the garden than a tourist attraction.
In Dawu County, Prof. Deng Aimin and his entourage researched Beishan Village and Dabie Mountain (Dawu) Red Leaf Tourism Area and Baigoshuwan Village. Beishan Village and Dabie Mountain (Dawu) Red Leaf Tourism Area is home to blooming flowers in spring, a foliage feast in autumn, lotus flowers in summer and plum blossoms in winter. The Tourism Area makes full use of the foliage resources of the Dabie Mountain and thus has attracted a large number of tourists. Prof. Deng Aimin and his entourage had a detailed understanding of the local agricultural industry development, learning that Dawu County makes full use of its red leaves, tea, peanuts and make them the three pillar industries in Dawu.
Professor Deng Aimin also went to Shilongtou Village and Liangshan Village, Hekou Town, Xisishan District, Huangshi, and Zhaofan Village, Changxuanling, Huangpi District, where he came up with a series of opinions and suggestions to promote agriculture modernization and rural tourism development.
Professor Deng Aimin’s Hubei rural tourism research fully demonstrated the social commitment of the Department of Tourism Management of ZUEL. He said, “Rural revitalization is a complex and long-term project that requires the joint efforts of governments at all levels, social organizations and farmers. Under the premise of maintaining the originality of the natural and humanistic environment of the countryside, the development of ‘tourism + agriculture’ is the power source of rural revitalization.”
