At the forefront of classic literature, we find the iconic Mount Longhu, immortalized in the novel “Water Margin.” Recently, this historic site has become a hub for new visitors thanks to the launch of an exciting initiative by Tomato Novel. They have introduced the “Tomato Reading Travel Season – 2024 Online Literature Rural Cultural Tourism Support Program,” coinciding with the Fourth Annual Online Literature Writing Contest, both taking place at Mount Longhu in Jiangxi. The aim of this initiative is to bridge the realms of online literature and rural cultural tourism, encouraging young creators to blend these two forms seamlessly. The ultimate goal is to weave captivating narratives that showcase the beauty, history, and culture of rural communities, contributing to their revitalization.
In recent years, rural cultural tourism in China has seen remarkable growth. Data indicates that since 2012, the number of participants in rural tourism has surged from nearly 800 million to 3 billion, with an impressive average annual growth rate surpassing 20%. For instance, during the recent May Day holiday, rural tourism welcomed 170 million visitors, generating a staggering revenue of 51.82 billion yuan—up 8.9% and 12.3% from the previous year. Rural areas are the bedrock of China’s development, yet the challenge remains to cultivate this tourism without falling into the traps of homogenization and superficiality. The focus must be on infusing depth and innovation into rural cultural tourism initiatives.
Culture acts as the spiritual backbone of rural tourism, serving as a reliable force for its digital enhancement. In today’s world, where travel has become commonplace, journeys encompass more than just sightseeing and snapshots. Increasingly, travelers are eager to delve into the historical roots, traditional stories, and cultural narratives that enrich their experiences. They seek to engage with the newest achievements in the integration of culture and tourism. Online literature, as a dynamic literary genre, offers significant advantages, including a vast audience, rich resources, and accessible creation processes. By spotlighting rural narratives, online literature can illuminate the diverse landscapes, customs, history, and culture of rural areas, capturing the public’s imagination and interest in these travel destinations.
The rising public fascination with rural cultural tourism provides a fresh wellspring of creative elements for online literature, broadening its scope and enhancing its cultural relevance. Exceptional online literary works can serve as crucial keys to elevating the quality of rural cultural tourism, bearing both practical significance and lasting social impact. When compelling pieces of online literature shine a spotlight on rural locales, they naturally draw increased attention, exploration, and experiences, ultimately encouraging the development of these areas.
Furthermore, advancements in industries such as short films, animations, and gaming continuously shape the role of online literature, offering new ideas and momentum for the revitalization of rural culture and tourism.
This initiative calls for a collaborative effort and a thoughtful approach. Successfully integrating standout online literature with rural tourism necessitates support from relevant governmental bodies, social institutions, and experts, along with encouragement from digital platforms. With the growing demand from readers and the backing of platforms, we can anticipate a wave of poignant and high-quality narratives surrounding rural cultural tourism that will energize this sector.
Traditionally, conversations about online literature tend to evoke thoughts of fantasy, mystery, or themes of “immortal cultivation.” However, such a view is narrow and overlooks the rich diversity within this literary landscape. Many exceptional works are deeply rooted in traditional culture and local heritage. In the context of the current push for rural cultural revitalization and tourism integration, more authors are choosing to focus on realism, societal reflections, and meaningful values in their storytelling.
Looking at the trajectory of social development, culture remains a powerful, enduring force. With collective efforts and the blend of insights from various stakeholders, Tomato Novel and its talented online authors are poised to significantly enhance rural cultural tourism, acting as powerful catalysts for its growth.
