CPC's early heartland reinvents itself with signature cultural destinations

Nestled in the mountains of southern Jiangxi province, Huichang county — a pivotal revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China from the late 1920s to the mid-1930s — has transformed its rich historical and cultural assets into dynamic drivers of modern, sustainable growth.

"The revolutionary legacy of Huichang represents not only a historical inheritance but also a new pathway and driving force for contemporary development," said Hu Xiaogen, an official at the county's Red resources preservation and development center.

The local government has identified 67 immovable revolutionary relics, and it has invested nearly 100 million yuan ($14.5 million) over the past decade to restore 24 major sites, including an old residence of Chairman Mao Zedong.

This restored legacy finds contemporary expression at Fengjing Duhao Park, an extensive cultural and tourism complex encompassing Mao's residence and the site of the former Guangdong-Jiangxi CPC provincial committee. Named after Mao's famous line praising Huichang's "uniquely fine scenery", the park integrates Red heritage sites with modern sightseeing and leisure activities.

"The integration of historical sites and cultural heritage related to the revolutionary history with sectors, such as tourism, education, agriculture and rural vitalization, has opened up new development pathways," Hu said.

"By setting up study bases, developing cultural products inspired by historical events and creating tourism routes that connect key revolutionary sites, we are transforming Red resources into economic assets to boost local income and enhance people's livelihoods," he added.