Tourists strolling through Xixinan Town’s waterways might experience déjà vu when encountering an exact replica of a Dutch bridge from Giethoorn village. “One side bears Dutch inscriptions, the other Chinese characters – it’s astonishing to find European architecture in rural Huizhou,” remarked Gabby, a Dutch visitor who hopes more international tourists will discover this Anhui treasure.
The water-rich towns forged official ties in 2023 when Xixinan, home to a UNESCO-listed ancient irrigation system, signed a cooperation agreement with Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the Netherlands.” This year, Shiqiao Village launched the “Cloud·Sicily Secret Land” project, recreating Dutch elements to offer visitors a taste of Europe in rural China.
Tajik student Sulisa from Huangshan University works part-time at the site, assisting visitors with activities and dining. “The pristine environment, especially the crystal-clear water, makes working here delightful,” she said. The project attracted over 8,000 daily visitors during its May trial operation while creating local jobs averaging 3,500 yuan monthly.
Nearby, Taipei entrepreneur Huang Min runs a fusion café in a restored Huizhou mansion with her husband. Their creative offerings – like baguettes with local fermented tofu or coffee paired with traditional sesame cakes – reflect five years of culinary experimentation. “With growing international visitors, we’re developing innovative products to bridge cultures,” Huang explained.
Xixinan has seen tourism triple to 1.95 million visitors in 2024, fueled by its fairy-tale wetlands and social media-famous wooden bridges. Deputy Party Secretary Hu Jianlin credits international events like village basketball tournaments and classical concerts for boosting the town’s global appeal. Future plans include VR technology and a reciprocal “Huizhou Days in Europe” cultural project.
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