Yixian county has emerged as a leading hub for rural tourism in Huangshan, East China's Anhui province, boasting 1,070 licensed homestays — one-sixth of the province's total.
From January to September 2025, the county welcomed 18.12 million visitors, resulting in 17.64 billion yuan ($2.48 billion) in tourism revenue.
A homestay cluster at the Yixian International Rural Tourism Resort. [Photo/China News Service]
Yixian has transformed homestays into a driving force for integrated cultural and tourism development and built a full industrial ecosystem spanning accommodation, design, finance, and green products.
In Tachuan village, clusters of boutique homestays support local agriculture by offering guests a taste of authentic Yixian flavor.
The county also promotes the fusion of culture, wellness, and nature. Health-themed lodgings in Xidi and Hongcun villages now feature sleep-aid devices and wellness cuisine — attracting 3 million health tourists and over 500 million yuan in revenue this year.
Visitors experience Huiju Opera makeup at a local homestay. [Photo/China News Service]
History finds new life in homestay spaces, where workshops in calligraphy, ink-making, bamboo weaving, and paper-cutting allow visitors to experience Huizhou culture firsthand.
Meanwhile, international hosts like Armin Schober bring global perspectives to Yixian's growing hospitality scene, making it a true crossroads of tradition and innovation.
A night view of a tent hotel in Yixian county. [Photo/China News Service]