Kotovskaia(Center) and her fellow students were walking along a bridge at Xiajiang Village. Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
By Kotovskaia Uliana
Recently, I had the privilege of exploring Xiajiang Village, nestled in Chun’an County, Hangzhou, along with fellow students from Zhejiang University of Science and Technology.
Our journey took us through the breathtaking Thousand Island Lake, which provided a scenic backdrop to our professor’s narration. “As you can see,” she began, “the mountainous terrain and the lake used to make it challenging to reach the village. These factors, among others, impacted its economy. However, today, you’ll witness how this once modest village has been transformed into a thriving community, and the story behind its success is truly fascinating.”
Xiajiang Village’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. It was honored as the “World’s Best Tourist Village” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, a prestigious recognition of its commitment to sustainable tourism and rural revitalization.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted and treated to a delicious meal at a local restaurant--much-needed after our long journey. The highlight of the meal was the delicate, flavorful fish, freshly sourced from the very lake we had just admired.
After lunch, we set out to explore the village, which captivated everyone with its unique charm--walls adorned with intricate paintings, traditional Chinese lanterns swaying in the breeze, and elderly locals going about their daily routines. What left the deepest impression on me, however, were the film decorations for My People, My Country. We stepped back in time as we visited a replica of a typical rural school from 30 to 40 years ago. The sight of weathered desks topped with scribbled notebooks, a tattered globe, and a chalkboard bearing the heartfelt words, “I love my country,” offered a vivid glimpse into the past.
At Xiajiang’s local wine shops, I seized the opportunity to purchase gifts for my family. We were treated to tastings of the village’s exquisite rice wine, and I couldn’t resist buying a few bottles infused with osmanthus and gardenia. Their delicate sweetness and soft floral aroma make them a must-try for any visitor.
The same gardenia fragrance lingered in the air as we visited Xiajiang’s modern, beautifully designed museum. The exhibits told the story of the village’s remarkable transformation, featuring photographs documenting its development since 2003, a visit by Xi Jinping, and even a scaled model of the village.
Our trip concluded with an engaging Q&A session where we gained further insights into Xiajiang’s success. We learned about government policies supporting small businesses, initiatives like the elderly care home where residents over 70 receive discounted meals, and those over 90 dine for free, as well as the influx of tourists drawn not only by the stunning scenery but also by the village’s commitment to ecological and economic sustainability.
Whether you’re a curious student, a history enthusiast, or a traveler seeking authentic experiences, Xiajiang Village is definitely worth exploring.