In the mountains of Sunbo town in Tai'an, Wubu village, a stone-built settlement with a history of more than 600 years, is having a vibrant revival driven by cultural tourism.

Renowned for its distinctive stone architecture, the village is home to more than 200 well-preserved courtyards dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911). Built using a traditional bricklaying technique recognized as intangible cultural heritage (ICH), these structures reflect both craftsmanship and continuity.

"Our ancestors' wisdom is our greatest asset," said Hua Tingting, vice-head of Sunbo town, noting the village's "gate-within-a-gate" layout.

Wubu's transformation is grounded in a protection-first approach. By partnering with State-owned enterprises and professional operators, the village has secured over 30 million yuan ($4.35 million) to restore historical residences while upgrading tourism infrastructure. Many former stone houses have been repurposed into workshops showcasing ICH, offering hands-on experiences such as stone rubbing, peach wood carving, and dough modeling.

The vitalization has also reshaped the village's economic landscape. Traditional alleys now feature cafes, taverns, and specialty food outlets, blending rural character with modern consumption. The scenic area currently provides nearly 100 local jobs, raising per capita annual income by more than 20,000 yuan.

Tourism growth has been equally notable. During the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, Wubu village welcomed over 320,000 visitors, generating 2.2 million yuan in revenue. In 2025, total tourism revenue exceeded 10.2 million yuan, with collective village income surpassing one million yuan.

Wubu village in Tai'an is renowned for its well-preserved stone courtyards. [Photo/Dazhong News]