Shandong village's cultural revival: From sightseeing to immersive experiences

In the Yimeng Mountains of Shandong province, a small village in Linyi is turning its local history into a living stage. Located in Yinan county, Changshanzhuang village's 367 traditional courtyards, built during the Hongwu period (1368–1398) of the Ming Dynasty, now welcome visitors to step into the stories of the people who once lived there.

Local villagers, dressed in period costumes, perform emotional plays about the heroic "Yimeng Red Sisters", an iconic figure related to local red culture. Instead of passive viewing, tourists can push wheelbarrows and carry grain supplies in a large-scale interactive show, which takes visitors back in time. This unique experience was named a national outdoor sports route for the 2026 Spring Festival holiday.

A scene from an interactive performance at Changshanzhuang village, Linyi, Shandong province. [Photo/Linyi Daily]

Changshanzhuang village is emerging as a vibrant film hub in northern China for movies glorifying the rich history. It boasts over 450 productions, including Zhang Yimou's Red Sorghum. Film-themed tours have generated over 90 million online views.

The village's cultural revival is also an economic one. By taking on roles as shareholders, workers, actors and shop assistants, locals have seen their average annual income reach 22,000 yuan ($3,050), while the village's collective revenue surpassed 600,000 yuan in 2025.

（chinadaily.com.cn）