Hutiyu Village

Hutiyu Village

Hutiyu Village is situated in the Outer Mountain area of Mount Tai, at the southernmost end of Xiagang Township, 35 kilometers from Tai’an city center. The village spans a total area of 6,200 mu, includes 11 natural villages, 8 production groups, 298 households, and has a population of 976, among whom 36 are Party members, 6 serve on the two committees, and 1 is a university graduate village official. Over the past few years, the two committees have focused on the goal of building a harmonious new countryside, with “scientific development and a prosperous, strong village” as the main theme, aiming to establish Hutiyu as a leading village in eco-folk tourism. Encouraged and guided by the policies of the Xiagang Township Party Committee and government, the team has worked in unity and dedication to promote development, gradually shifting toward eco-folk tourism services. This has led to the preliminary formation of a distinctive rural tourism industry. In 2006, the Hutiyu Tourism Development Co., Ltd. was established. In September 2007, the village was named one of Tai’an’s Top Ten Eco-Agricultural Tourism Villages, and in November 2009, it was awarded the title of “Shandong Province Folk Tourism Village.”

First is strengthening the construction of tourism infrastructure to attract visitors from afar. Once the development strategy was set, the next step was implementation. The first challenge Hutiyu faced was how to bring in tourists from outside. To develop, roads had to be built—only with accessible roads could visitors come in and information flow out. Under the leadership of the two committees, villagers spontaneously donated money in support. After nearly a year of hard work and perseverance, a 4,180-meter road leading out of the mountains was finally completed.

In recent years, Hutiyu Village has invested over 200,000 yuan to widen and maintain 5 kilometers of mountain-looping roads and repaved 1,000 meters of asphalt access roads into the village. With improved infrastructure came increased opportunities, and naturally, more tourists began visiting the village. This resolved the issue of “getting outsiders in,” marking a positive turn in the development of tourism.

Second is enhancing tourism supporting facilities to encourage visitors to stay. In line with Hutiyu’s development plan, the township Party Committee and government placed high importance on the village and actively contributed ideas. With their support, Hutiyu established a comprehensive tourism strategy focusing on “eco-leisure and rural fun” in the medium to long term, centered around countryside charm, and featuring vacationing, leisure, and entertainment. By leveraging promotional brands such as “anti-cancer apricots, long silk silkworms, ancient chestnut ridges, country lanes, and a paradise on earth,” the village strives to become the “Apricot Blossom Village” at the foot of Mount Tai. In 2004, Hutiyu invited experts from Tai’an University to conduct a scientific master plan for the village’s tourism resources, completing the “Tai’an Hutiyu Village Tourism Conceptual Plan” and outlining the blueprint for tourism development. In 2008, the village invested over 400,000 yuan to build a new check dam and construct a small reservoir with a water storage capacity of 200,000 cubic meters and a surface area of 15 mu. After the reservoir was filled, the village further invested 4,000 yuan to stock it with fish and shrimp fry, and spent over 160,000 yuan to dig two 1,000-cubic-meter reservoirs, establishing a fishing center equipped with rubber boats and other water recreation facilities. Road construction and water recreation projects enriched the village’s tourism offerings, making Hutiyu even more attractive. In 2006, after discussion by the two committees, the “Hutiyu Tourism Development Co., Ltd.” was registered, marking a systematic approach to tourism development. Subsequently, a large cultural square was built, and in 2007, a 280,000-yuan tourism reception center was completed. Meanwhile, 10 folk households capable of receiving guests were developed, achieving initial progress in folk tourism. To boost tourism and related services, in 2009, the village invested over 100,000 yuan to widen over 2,600 square meters of village tourism roads and built additional toilets, garbage pits, and purchased mobile household waste bins, further improving sanitation and promoting civilized, healthy tourism development. In February, Shenghe Catering Co., Ltd. set up in Hutiyu, investing over 800,000 yuan to build the Shenghe Eco-Park, integrating dining, accommodation, and entertainment. In the first half of 2009, folk tourism saw rapid growth. Through a series of efforts, the village earned titles such as Tai’an Green Demonstration Village and Outer Mountain Eco-Folk Tourism Village of Mount Tai. In November, Hutiyu passed the assessment for Shandong Province’s Noted Folk Tourism Village.

Third is developing distinctive agricultural and sideline products to let visitors “take Hutiyu home.” The improvement of tourism facilities and the development of famous local attractions have truly made Hutiyu a well-known tourist destination. During holidays, a constant stream of visitors and vehicles brings both vitality and business opportunities. The two committees identified the opportunities clearly, and with the village’s help, a comprehensive specialty products service company was established, integrating product promotion and sales. A new model of “company linking farmers, leading enterprises supporting bases” was forged. To enhance product visibility and market competitiveness, Hutiyu registered the “Mount Tai Dragon” brand for competitive poultry varieties such as pheasants, free-range chickens, black goats, and green goats, allowing these agricultural products to leave the mountains and enter nearby cities like Jinan, Tai’an, and Laiwu. The village also generates over 70,000 yuan in collective income annually through various paid services. The growth of tourism has driven local economic development and brought tangible benefits to residents, yielding successful results.

Fourth is further strengthening the promotion of folk tourism to make visitors think of Hutiyu. Seizing the opportunity of Tai’an’s bid to become an international tourism city, Hutiyu vigorously advanced the development of cultural tourism services and implemented a series of measures to promote its folk tourism. With strong support from the township Party Committee and government, and in collaboration with developers investing in the village, major brand events such as the “Hutiyu Grand Stage” and “Hutiyu Bonfire Party” were created, boosting the visibility of Hutiyu’s folk tourism. Leveraging the brand influence of the “China Mount Tai Chestnut Flower Festival,” jointly organized by district, township, and village levels, Hutiyu’s folk tourism has truly entered the market.

Address: Xiagang Township, Daiyue District, Tai’an City, Shandong Province

Business Hours: 24 hours

Visiting Time: Approximately 2 hours

Featured Attractions: Shenghe Eco-Park, Chestnut Flower Festival

Supporting Facilities:

The village has guesthouses and restaurants that provide dining and lodging services for tourists.

Self-Driving Directions:

From Tai’an Railway Station — Dongyue Street — turn left onto S330 and enter Center Street — drive 8.6 km along S103, then turn right onto S243 and continue straight to the destination.

Parking Information:

There is a parking lot within the village.