With diligence, spring comes early; with favorable winds, it’s time to set sail. In 2018, under the guidance and leadership of the Gannan Prefecture Government, Gannan Jiuse Xiangbala Tourism Development Co., Ltd. responded actively to the government's call, reached an agreement with Anguo Village, and jointly developed the Amigonghong Scenic Area. The project fully implements a full-industry-chain development strategy to enhance comprehensive tourism benefits and achieve the beautiful vision of enriching the local people. At present, some parts of the project have been completed, and the entire site is scheduled to be finished and officially operational by early September.
Overall master plan
We were fortunate to interview Mr. Yang Haijin, General Manager of Gannan Jiuse Xiangbala Tourism Development Co., Ltd. From afar, he waved to us with the typical warmth and simplicity of the Tibetan people. As our guide, Mr. Yang led us into the Amigonghong Scenic Area, his words brimming with excitement and enthusiasm. He said, “Gansu, as a vital hub and major commercial town along the ancient Silk Road, has a glorious history. In the future, we must revive the glory of the Silk Road.”
Subsequently, the reporter conducted an interview with Mr. Yang on a series of topics regarding the strategic layout and future plans of the Amigonghong Scenic Area.
How is the Amigonghong Scenic Area developing a full industry chain?
Mr. Yang: “The entire Amigonghong Scenic Area is divided into six major functional sections: the Folk Village, the Ten-Thousand-Mu Rapeseed Flower Viewing Platform, the Jiuse Huaxi Park, the Jiuse Huaxi Shopping Center, the Jiuse Huaxi Themed Restaurant, and the Tent Hotel.” The full industry chain means that within these six sections, the scenic area will comprehensively upgrade the five aspects of food, accommodation, transportation, shopping, and entertainment. With tourism as the vehicle and solving travelers’ needs as the goal, and culture as the essence, it aims to showcase authentic Tibetan folk culture and recreational activities to visitors.
Planning map
How exactly does the Amigonghong Scenic Area maximize economic benefits?
Mr. Yang: The overall planning of the scenic area focuses on “food” by constructing a 400-square-meter themed restaurant that authentically presents the local snacks and foods of Gannan, offering both sales and education about local food culture. For “accommodation,” it enhances quality by transforming 52 courtyards into a homestay village according to star-rated standards, creating 150 to 200 guest rooms. Once operational, this will generate considerable income for local residents. Additionally, the scenic area has invested 15 million yuan to build a uniquely Tibetan-style tent hotel, with the first phase consisting of 17 tents, further reinforcing the cultural development of the accommodation sector. In terms of “shopping,” the construction of the Jiuse Huaxi Shopping Center greatly satisfies tourists’ purchasing needs while also creating job opportunities for locals. For “transportation,” the scenic area was strategically located near Xiahe Airport from the initial planning stages to minimize travel costs for visitors. In terms of “entertainment,” the project seeks breakthroughs by creating hit attractions such as China’s only natural sea of flowers — Jiuse Huaxi, and the Ten-Thousand-Mu Rapeseed Flower Viewing Platform. Standing on the viewing platform, the view is breathtaking.
Restaurant planning map
Tent hotel planning map
Tent hotel planning map
According to Mr. Yang, the name “Jiuse Huaxi” (Nine-Color Flower Stream) has two meanings. First, all the flowers in this sea of flowers are not artificially cultivated but grow naturally. Second, the flower field is traversed by a 36-bend, 500-meter-long stream fed by melting snow from the mountains and that never dries up throughout the year. This feature is unique and has never been seen in flower fields across the country. It is the centerpiece of the entire project and a crucial element during construction. In the future, Jiuse Huaxi will become a flagship attraction not only for the Amigonghong Scenic Area but also for the entire Gannan region.
Jiuse Huaxi photo
United efforts of the entire prefecture to build a charming Gannan. With strong support from the government, and full cooperation from Gannan Jiuse Xiangbala Tourism Development Co., Ltd., the romantic yet practical Amigonghong Scenic Area is now presented to the world. This is not only an innovative development for revitalizing the Silk Road but also a choice driven by the progress of the times.