Recently, Luohu District in Shenzhen was recognized for its ecological and cultural tourism integrated development model at the 10th Green Development Forum held in Beijing. Centered on Wutong Mountain’s azalea blooms, this initiative highlights the district's efforts to create a new benchmark for cultural and tourism integration.

From conservation to a flourishing landscape

Wutong Mountain's azalea has become one of Shenzhen’s most iconic ecological treasures. However, years ago, the species faced competitive suppression and rarely bloomed. To address this, Luohu District implemented ecological restoration measures to improve the plant’s habitat and enhance the mountain’s natural environment.

Using the scenic beauty of Wutong Mountain and its azalea displays as focal points, the district developed a mountain-based eco-tourism strategy. Efforts included creating the "Wutong Mountain and Azalea" ecological brand, launching the "life in full bloom" tourism route, and exploring innovative low-altitude economic ventures involving aerial tourism.

Starting in 2005, research teams worked to nurture azalea, overcoming propagation challenges to achieve large-scale seedling cultivation for the first time globally. Additionally, new azalea varieties suited to the local environment were developed. Between 2016 and 2020, Wutong Mountain introduced 734 horticultural and native azalea varieties, planting 125,000 azalea seedlings—making it a national leader in azalea collection.

Promoting nature education and cultural tourism

Wutong Mountain has also enhanced its role as an ecological and cultural landmark. A network of flower-viewing trails, awarded "Shenzhen's Most Popular Nature Education Activity," has attracted visitors seeking immersive outdoor experiences.

In 2015, Luohu District established a nature school on the mountain, promoting eco-conscious practices such as "Leave No Trace" principles. The school earned recognition as a Guangdong Provincial Nature Education Base. To further elevate its appeal, the district hosts annual events like the National Azalea Festival Photography Contest, immersive metaverse art exhibits, and its signature Wutong Mountain Music Festival.

Innovative tourism experiences and regional collaboration

Luohu District has also enacted policies such as the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Wutong Mountain Scenic Area Ordinance to protect the mountain's ecosystems, incorporating surrounding landmarks like the Shenzhen Reservoir and Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. Eight scenic zones were developed, featuring themed activities such as garden leisure tours, creek tracing adventures, and mountain treks.

Cross-regional ecological collaboration is also being explored, including the feasibility of establishing an ecological corridor between Wutong Mountain and Honghua Ridge to foster integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Integrating low-altitude economy into tourism

The district is pioneering low-altitude tourism with initiatives like the "Flying Wutong" unmanned passenger aircraft project. Three scenic aerial routes—Valley Adventure, Sky Pilgrimage, and Grand Wutong—have been launched to offer visitors unique perspectives of the area, blending ecological tourism with cutting-edge technology.

By combining ecological preservation with cultural and tourism development, Luohu District has created a sustainable model that showcases the beauty of Wutong Mountain while driving regional collaboration and innovation in the cultural tourism sector.

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