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| Gusheng Village in Dali |
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, the traditional village combines its natural environment, Bai ethnic culture and agricultural heritage with innovative approaches to rural tourism and ecological protection.
Recognised as a traditional Chinese village and a key national village for rural tourism, Gusheng Village has placed protection of Erhai Lake at the centre of its development.
Protecting Erhai Lake Through Green Agriculture
Gusheng Village has been working to reduce agricultural pollution entering the Erhai Lake basin while maintaining productive farming communities.
A major development came in 2022, when China Agricultural University, Yunnan Agricultural University and the Dali Prefecture Government jointly established the Erhai Lake Basin Agricultural Green Development Research Institute and a science and technology courtyard.
The initiative has introduced technologies including water-saving irrigation, integrated water and fertiliser management, ecological drainage improvements, reservoirs and wetlands to reduce pollutants entering the lake.
A smart nutrient management platform has also been introduced, linking fertiliser purchasing and delivery with precision application and monitoring. The system records information including individual plots, crops, fertiliser use and soil nutrients, helping reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharge into Erhai Lake.
Rural Tourism Creates New Opportunities
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| Gusheng Village in Dali |
Homestays have expanded from only a few properties to dozens, supported by infrastructure improvements, policy guidance and practical training. In October 2024, a Farmers' Skills Training Base was established in partnership with Dali Prefecture Finance and Trade School.
The training program has delivered 40 courses and 80 class hours covering homestay services, guest reception and traditional cultural experiences. More than 4,600 villagers have been trained, helping local accommodation businesses develop from basic lodging into more specialised and branded tourism experiences.
Digital commerce is also connecting local agricultural products with wider markets while supporting related businesses including restaurants, handicrafts and travel photography.
Bai Culture Meets Modern Tourism
Gusheng Village's rural tourism development also places strong emphasis on protecting its distinctive Bai ethnic heritage.
The science and technology courtyard helped develop plans for protecting Bai residential architecture and assisted with improvements to the courtyards of 70 households. Traditional Bai homes featuring the distinctive “three courtyards and one screen wall” design are being preserved alongside the village's natural environment.
Homestays are also being encouraged to incorporate Bai culture into visitor experiences, turning accommodation into places where travellers can discover local traditions and community stories.
A Model for Sustainable Rural Tourism
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| Gusheng Village in Dali |
Its approach connects ecological conservation, green agriculture, tourism, technology, skills training and cultural heritage. More than 40 research teams have been stationed in the village, while university researchers and students have worked alongside residents on projects and educational activities.
For travellers seeking authentic rural experiences in Yunnan, Gusheng Village provides an opportunity to see how a traditional community is combining its relationship with Erhai Lake, Bai culture and agriculture with a new generation of sustainable tourism.
Dali Tourism
Website: https://www.chinahighlights.com/dali/Address: Dali City, Yunnan Province, China
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