A view of Yucun village, Anji county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

Yucun village from Huzhou's Anji county was honored as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" 2021 at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Madrid on Dec 2.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative by the UNWTO is aimed at advancing the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages and their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, and values and activities, including local gastronomy.

A total of 44 villages from 32 countries and regions worldwide were granted the recognition after standing out from the 174 candidates proposed by 75 UNWTO Member States (each Member State could present a maximum of three villages).

Two villages from China won the honor, with the other one being Xidi village from Anhui province.

The recipients will gain access to an exchange platform sponsored by UNWTO and receive support from the international tourism body and its partners.

"Tourism can be a driver of social cohesion and inclusion by promoting a fairer distribution of benefits throughout the territory and empowering local communities," said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. "This initiative recognizes those villages committed to making tourism a strong driver of their development and wellbeing."

Yucun village has emerged as a popular tourism destination in Zhejiang. It has long adhered to the green development path mapped out by the concept which states that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".                                           

A view of Yucun village, Anji county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]