As a vital component of the ongoing 2021 China Tourism and Culture Weeks, a forum centering on tourism and rural development was held on Tuesday in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. Comprising of keynote speeches and a panel discussion, guest speakers shared their insights into the role tourism plays in rural revitalization and the future trends in the field of rural tourism.

Duan Zhouwu, director of the Network of International Culturalink Entities, delivered a speech at the event and stressed the importance of telling stories about China through tourism. He maintains that travel, as an all-encompassing activity, is a good carrier of stories. “When we start a journey, what we feel and experience is a vivid reflection of social development, state governance, living environment, cultural landscape and folk customs. So we should share with the world the part tourism plays in driving our economy, facilitating rural revitalization, reducing poverty, unleashing potential in the culture sector and improving environmental conditions," said Duan.