EXAMINING THE REGIONAL EXPANSION OF SELF-MANAGED HOMESTAYS DRIVEN BY CHINA’S BAIMEI VILLAGE

This study explores MaMaHua de Shanpo [MMH] and Nanyu Village in Hebei Province, part of the Baimei Village initiative, a government-led program addressing rural revitalization and building stock utilization. By conducting on-site surveys and interviews with village secretaries and homestay owners, it identifies five key factors contributing to sustainable regional revitalization: (1) active villager involvement, (2) formation of connections beyond the local region, (3) the influential role of key figures, (4) development of multilayered and open relationships, and (5) preservation of local culture alongside job creation. These findings highlight practical strategies for advancing sustainable rural development through homestays.