Germany is famous for its beer, and I never expected to taste German beer in the ancient village of Bishan," remarked Cai Mingcai, a new media editor at the German Kaiyuan Media Group, during his visit to the Bishan Craft Beer Museum. He added that the fusion of Hui-style architecture, Hui culture, and various new business models in the ancient village created a unique experience.
On November 18th, the 2025 Overseas Chinese Media Tour of Anhui visited Bishan Village in Yixian County, Huangshan City. In the ancient village, the aroma of coffee and Hui ink intertwined, and traditional residences were transformed into cultural and creative bookstores and research bases. Representatives from overseas Chinese media strolled through the streets and alleys, experiencing the charm of this thousand-year-old village.
Founded in 362 AD, Bishan Village is a typical representative of ancient Hui-style villages, preserving its traditional Hui-style features. It has received seven honors, including "China's Traditional Village" and "National Classic Case of Tourism Assisting Rural Revitalization."
Today, with the theme of "Creative Countryside, Serene Bishan," the village is attracting a large number of young entrepreneurs to settle down through creative empowerment and cultural support, revitalizing the ancient village. The "Radish Plan," which encourages villagers to start businesses and increase their income, the Yunxian Study Tour, which preserves traditional skills, and the Free Cafe, which connects urban and rural life, are just some of the innovative practices flourishing in Bishan Village.
Li Mao'e, editor-in-chief of the South Korean newspaper *World Overseas Chinese Daily*, was deeply impressed by the business models in Bishan Village. She said, "The residents here are deeply involved in the cultural tourism industry. Some are making fish lanterns, others are selling traditional food, making Huizhou culture tangible and relatable." Li Mao'e expressed her delight that innovative cultural tourism models revitalize traditional culture and achieve sustainable development through the integration of the old and the new.
Today, Bishan Village has developed five major cultural tourism functional areas: homestay experiences, cultural and creative blocks, ancient scenic spots, study tours, and health and wellness centers. Through a "village-led + professional operation" model, a village cooperative economic organization has been established, building a community of shared interests. A "front shop, back workshop, cultural tourism integration" street layout has taken shape, achieving a win-win situation for cultural preservation and economic development. (End)
