Rural Tourism and Modern Agriculture Reshape Village Economy in Barkam, Sichuan
Dragon Media News Desk
Barkam City in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of China’s Sichuan Province is advancing a rural revitalisation model that combines tourism, modern agriculture and local talent development.
With distinctive rural landscapes, a tranquil environment and rich cultural resources, villages around Barkam have increasingly become attractive destinations for visitors. In recent years, local authorities have expanded new forms of rural business and services by integrating agriculture, culture and tourism.
Rural tourism has gained particular momentum during the warmer months, as more visitors travel to the area for cooler temperatures and countryside leisure. Homestays combining traditional Gyalrong-style architecture with modern design, along with distinctive Tibetan villages, have become increasingly popular among younger travellers.
Natural and cultural resources that were once largely confined to remote mountainous areas are now being linked with tourism and local industries as new sources of income. The approach is intended to expand economic activity while maintaining ecological and cultural value.
Alongside tourism, Barkam is also promoting high-altitude ecological fruit and vegetable production. New crop varieties and modern agricultural technologies are being introduced to improve both quality and the added value of local agricultural products.
Crop rotation practices developed at agricultural production bases have also been extended to surrounding villages. Around 1,000 mu of land is now being used to grow different varieties of vegetables and cash crops.
Barkam has also promoted a cooperative development model linking enterprises, village collectives and farming households. The model is designed to connect farmers with production, markets and employment opportunities while increasing local incomes.
Local talent development has become another important pillar of the rural revitalisation programme. Following a talent development conference held in Aba Prefecture at the end of 2025, Barkam expanded efforts to strengthen local expertise, attract outside specialists and cultivate younger professionals.
To address technical gaps, the city has established rural revitalisation expert workstations in cooperation with more than 10 research institutions. Specialist teams have been sent directly to farmland, agricultural production bases and livestock areas to provide practical technical support to farmers.
Regular skills training is also being provided in areas including crop production, livestock breeding, agricultural processing and e-commerce.
So far, Barkam has trained more than 450 practical agricultural and rural entrepreneurial personnel. It has also developed eight professional farmers’ cooperatives and 126 demonstration farming households.
As more local specialists and rural entrepreneurs emerge, a growing share of leadership in agricultural and rural industries is being generated within local communities themselves.
By linking natural resources, agriculture, tourism and skilled human resources within a single development framework, Barkam is seeking to transform rural areas from traditional production zones into centres of tourism, employment and modern agricultural growth.
