Er’dao Baihe Town
Rongjie Zhang
To create a model of integrated development of the scenic and the urban areas and raise local communities’ living standards
In order to reduce the pressures on the environmental capacity of Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, a total of RMB6 billion has been invested since 2010 to build 32 new scenic sites and 10 squares at and near Er’dao Baihe Town, a town neighbouring the northern part of Changbai Mountain Scenic Area. In 2019, Er’dao Baihe Town was rated as an AAAA Scenic Area, one of the national exemplary areas for integrated tourism, and accredited as an international Cittaslow town by Cittaslow International. Er’dao Baihe Town has become an open and free-of-charge scenic area and aims to offer high standard services for tourism, leisure and recreation. While providing high-quality and well-managed leisure space for local residents, it also help stimulate the development of accommodation and catering businesses in Changbai Mountain’s neighbouring communities. A new development model of sharing and co-building that serves tourists and brings happiness to local residents is hence achieved.
1. Thorough data analysis was conducted on recent years’ tourism in Changbai Mountain and the ecological carrying capacity of Changbai Scenic Area is hence determined based on science.
2. A scientific and sound tourism plan was formulated based on statistics. 3. Secured sufficient funding ensured the implementation of the planned projects.
Special attention should be given to localisation during the urbanisation process of the scenic area. Native ecology should still be the underpinning foundation and preserved as most as possible. The emphasis should be put on maintaining and highlighting local distinctive features instead of the sheer scale of urban development. It should be avoided that the authenticity of local landscapes or characteristics are destroyed only to copy a model of other places or cities.