Wufeng village in Taishan city, Guangdong province. [photo provided to China.org.cn]

On Feb. 13, Wufeng village in Taishan city, Guangdong province, was recognized as one of Guangdong's "Beautiful Villages for Returned Overseas Chinese."

Originally established in 1963 as a resettlement village for overseas Chinese returning from Southeast Asia, Wufeng village has since become home to residents from 13 different countries and regions, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. Today, it stands as one of the most culturally vibrant settlements of returned overseas Chinese in the region.

In recent years, Wufeng village has embraced its overseas Chinese heritage as a driver of development, actively advancing the "Hundred, Thousand, and Ten Thousand Project"—a provincial initiative aimed at fostering high-quality development in one hundred counties, one thousand towns, and ten thousand villages across Guangdong. By capitalizing on its rich Southeast Asian tourism resources, the village has pioneered an innovative model that integrates agriculture, culture, and tourism, earning recognition as a model village in the first batch of the initiative.

With a strong Southeast Asian influence, Wufeng has developed a thriving tourism industry. Its bustling food street is a hub for authentic flavors, offering specialties such as pandan milk tea, Indonesian spring rolls, and Vietnamese rice noodles. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian-style restaurants and homestays are flourishing, creating new entrepreneurial opportunities for local residents.

Beyond its culinary appeal, Wufeng village offers a diverse range of scenic and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can explore the wetland park, stroll through vibrant flower fields, enjoy boat tours at the marina, or relax on waterfront leisure platforms. The village is also home to a mangrove wetland bird sanctuary, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Additionally, 13 themed courtyard gardens—each representing a different country or region—serve as creative showcases for villagers, highlighting their craftsmanship and cultural heritage.