Huichang County in southern Jiangxi province has embarked on a transformation that leverages its revolutionary heritage to foster sustainable economic growth through cultural tourism and creative industries. Once a key Communist Party of China (CPC) revolutionary base from the late 1920s to the mid-1930s, the county has repurposed its historical sites and intangible cultural assets into vibrant destinations attracting millions of visitors.

Local authorities have identified 67 immovable revolutionary relics and invested nearly 100 million yuan (around $14.5 million) over the past decade to restore 24 significant sites, including an old residence of Chairman Mao Zedong. These efforts are encapsulated in Fengjing Duhao Park, a cultural and tourism complex that integrates Mao’s residence, the former Guangdong-Jiangxi CPC provincial committee site, and leisure activities. The park’s name pays homage to Mao’s praise of Huichang’s scenic beauty, underscoring the fusion of historical preservation with contemporary use.

Officials emphasize that combining revolutionary history with sectors such as tourism, education, agriculture, and rural revitalization has opened new avenues for development. Initiatives include establishing study bases, creating cultural products inspired by historical narratives, and developing tourism routes linking key revolutionary locations. These measures aim to convert cultural heritage into economic assets, enhancing local incomes and improving residents’ livelihoods.

Beyond its Revolutionary War legacy, Huichang has launched a series of signature cultural projects to broaden its appeal. The Huichang Drama Town, a flagship collaboration with renowned playwright and director Stan Lai, has converted old structures into a creative hub featuring theaters, workshops, and performance spaces. Since its opening in January 2024, the venue has hosted three drama festivals with over 1,000 performances by troupes from various countries, attracting more than 8 million tourists. Its repertoire includes innovative productions such as a Tea-Picking Opera adaptation of Lai’s play "Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land."

Local businesses have reported significant growth since the opening of the drama town. According to Wen Ya, a business owner in the area, increased visitor numbers have boosted commercial activity and strengthened confidence in the local economy’s prospects.

The approach to cultural revitalization extends to other parts of the county, including the Dongtou She ethnic village, which highlights intangible ethnic heritage, and Hejun Town, which supports educational and training programs alongside tourism development.

Huichang officials aim to establish the county as a national center for drama culture and a major tourist destination. Zhou Yanfeng, deputy director of the county’s culture and tourism bureau, stated that efforts will continue to deepen the integration of culture and tourism, enhance service quality, and enrich visitor experiences. The ongoing developments reflect a broader strategy to harness historical and cultural resources as engines for regional development and economic vitality.