Yinan county turns barren hills into wellness destination

Once a barren hillside, Yangxin Valley in Yinan county, Linyi, Shandong province, has become a comprehensive wellness resort. In line with Linyi's broader tourism strategy, the valley uses a development model integrating agriculture, culture, tourism, and health, acting as a green engine for rural vitalization.

The resort began in 2012 as a 400-hectare fruit-picking base that included local cherry orchards. To diversify its offerings and encourage longer visits, it recently introduced wellness and leisure activities such as traditional Chinese medicine clinics, diet therapy using organic produce, equestrian experiences, meditation spaces, and art-focused activities.

Accommodation options have expanded with five boutique bed-and-breakfast clusters totaling 104 rooms. Themes vary from pastoral living to equestrian lifestyles, extending the average visitor stay from half a day to a day and a half and increasing the return intention rate by 40 percent.

The project has created several income streams for locals, including land rentals, wages, equity dividends, and small-business earnings. The valley provides employment opportunities and fosters local entrepreneurship, allowing many residents to earn steady monthly incomes through resort jobs or operating nearby farm stays and restaurants.

By combining natural scenery, health-centered activities, and community involvement, Yangxin Valley offers visitors a holistic wellness experience while promoting sustainable economic growth for local villages.

Inns are nestled among the trees and natural landscapes of the refreshed Yangxin Valley. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Editor：韩蒙蒙