Kaiyang creates livable environment, develops wellness industry

Kaiyang county has been exploring a "forest wellness+" integrated development model in recent years, relying on its unique ecological resources and focusing on wellness integration, under-forest economy, and ecological construction to promote the coordinated development of ecological industrialization and industrial ecology.

Kaiyang has implemented three major projects – ecological greening, ecological management, and ecological prosperity – in an effort to accelerate green, low-carbon, high-quality development. Measures such as increasing forest stock, nurturing young and degraded forests, and creating mixed forests to optimize forest structure and enhance ecological functions like carbon sequestration and water conservation, creating a vibrant and livable green environment.

The county has established wellness bases and diversified industries, utilizing forest resources to build an 8,000-mu (533.33-hectare) under-forest economic demonstration base. This has led to the development of a modern tourism industry combining forest tourism, wellness, agricultural experiences, and cultural activities. The county is home to 15 under-forest planting bases, eight breeding bases, and several wellness bases.

Emphasizing the under-forest industry, Kaiyang aims to boost local income by utilizing rich forest resources for economic development. The county is exploring composite management models like under-forest planting and breeding, leveraging its 1.52 million mu of forest area and 57.25 percent forest coverage rate to develop forestry carbon projects and enhance ecological value.

Kaiyang is also integrating ecology with tourism, enhancing the "Selenium-rich Mountain Living" brand and developing a top-tier wellness destination. By merging historical and cultural attractions with wellness tourism, the county is enriching local culture while boosting economic growth.

A villager feeds chickens in a farmhouse in Kaiyang. [Photo/WeChat account of Kaiyang county]