Cultural and Tourism Development at Menggen Village

Menggen village in Jiujing Hani Ethnic Township serves as an example of fostering cultural self-confidence in impoverished areas and has been actively exploring and implementing the concept of ‘intangible heritages + poverty alleviation.’ On one hand, the village has developed the Laodabao culture of Menggen to attract tourists, including through live-action dramas performed by local cultural and performing companies. In comparison, cultural confidence and virtue are also promoted in Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, to educate and guide the masses, especially those living in poverty, by implementing the concept of ‘cultivating virtue, stimulating the will, and relieving hardship.’ Similar examples from overseas, such as the rural village of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the Buganda region of Uganda, are reviewed to analyze success and failure factors. On the other hand, scientific and technological knowledge has been applied to agricultural practices in Menggen village to address issues related to a primitive industrial structure, poor infrastructure, and ideological and cultural factors that have contributed to unstable and low-yielding agriculture. The economic development strategy is further bolstered by educational platforms that combine theoretical knowledge with practical technical training to enhance traditional industries like tea garden transformation and emerging industries such as handicraft production and bed and breakfast inns.