On October 26, a report from Beihai, Guangxi highlights the transformation of an old fishing village into an “art village.” In an interview, Guo Yuan, the director of the Xinying Community Committee in the Haicheng District of Beihai City, shared some fascinating developments.
“Once a chicken coop, the former village building is now a cultural exhibition venue; an old firewood storage area has been turned into a crafts studio; and the village warehouse has been renovated into a high-end guesthouse,” Guo stated.
Established during the Qing Dynasty’s Xianfeng period, Liuxia Village has a history spanning over 300 years, with a current population of 468 residents across 106 households. Many villagers moved nearby to build new homes, leaving behind an architecture that beautifully complements the surrounding natural scenery.
Guo explained that prior to 2017, the villagers lived a traditional agricultural lifestyle. That year marked a turning point when Wu Yue, a Beihai native who had studied in the UK and started a business in Shanghai, returned to his hometown with a vision to create guesthouses. With a recommendation from a friend, he and his team discovered Liuxia Village.
Initially, the villagers were not supportive of Wu’s plans. However, they found a strong ally in Mai Xidong, a local resident. “I used to run a home renovation business in Beihai, often assisting villagers with appliance repairs, which helped me build good relationships. When I learned about the upcoming transformations, I returned to the village to persuade everyone to support the development plans,” shared Mai.
To initiate the project, the village had to address its infrastructure by widening roads and removing some existing structures. “At first, many were resistant. I began by demolishing my own yard and personally approached each family to explain the benefits. Through persistent communication, we managed to move forward with the village redesign,” Mai explained.
Wu Yue went on to invest nearly 7 million RMB to develop high-end accommodations in Liuxia Village. “We focused on retaining the original architectural characteristics of the old buildings,” he added.
Thanks to Wu’s efforts, several boutique guesthouse projects have since been established in the village. Post-renovation, the once-sleepy fishing village is evolving into a “mountain-sea art village,” featuring an array of artistic studios, trendy shops, coffee bars, country pubs, and theme restaurants, creating a diverse tourism ecosystem that includes water sports, educational research, cultural arts, unique cuisines, and high-end accommodations.
The village’s revitalization has sparked a shift in the youth’s engagement. Mai Xifeng, a local resident, noted that she used to spend her time playing Mahjong but was inspired to start her own business after witnessing the changes. “In 2023, I began renovating my home and set up a stall selling fruits and beverages right outside. I made 137 RMB on my very first day,” Mai shared.
Following her lead, her brother, Mai Xicheng, also renovated their home and commissioned a painter to create two murals inspired by agricultural culture, transforming their doorstep into a popular photo spot.
Local authorities have encouraged villagers to become stakeholders by allowing high-end hotel brands to renovate and manage their homes. “For Liuxia Village to remain competitive, we need to tap into our local culture. I’m planning to innovate and promote my family’s traditional cooking techniques for making a local dish called ‘Quezi Rice,'” said Mai Xicheng.
