Longhui County, Hunan Unlocks the “Wealth Code” by Protecting Green Mountains and Clear Waters

Tourists at Longyao Valley

Photo by Xie Wenxi

In the early morning, the sound of footsteps blends with birdsong in the ancient tree cluster in Chongmudang. As night falls, azaleas in Longyao Valley sway in the evening breeze, dancing against the soft glow of nearby camping tents. Recently, the green mountains and clear waters of Longhui County in Hunan Province have attracted waves of tourists, as eco-tourism surges and becomes a powerful driver of the local economy.

As a pilot county for the National Ecological Civilization Demonstration Project, Longhui has set its sights on becoming an eco-model county. Taking a systematic approach, the county coordinates ecological protection with the development of a green economy. By transforming natural capital into economic benefits, it has forged a path of green development—preserving its environment, invigorating local industries, and improving livelihoods.