Synergy Sustainable Development through “Agricultural-Tourism Complexes”: A Green Pathway for Rural China’s Revitalisation

Authors

  • Lin Xiao Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Noor Aisyah Mokhtar Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mohd Khairul Azhar Mat Sulaiman Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Keywords:

gricultural-Tourism Complex, Rural Revitalization, Land-Use Multifunctionality, Eco-Economic Integration, Sustainable Development Strategy

Abstract

As the world community gradually shifts its global attention towards sustainable rural development under the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, integrated land use models are increasingly being viewed as a viable way of achieving ecological resilience and inclusive growth. Taking the Dongfang Agro-Tourism Complex in China as a case study, this study demonstrated a replicable model integrating ecological restoration, agricultural modernisation and low-carbon tourism, using spatial optimisation analysis, ecosystem service assessments and stakeholder-informed governance evaluation. Specifically, the study showed how multifunctional zoning, circular resource flows and green infrastructure could be combined to increase land productivity and biodiversity and diversify rural income. The article used a three-dimensional analytical framework incorporating spatial environmental assessment, industrial integration and social institutional participation to evaluate the environmental performance and economic feasibility of the complex. The findings showed that large-scale agritourism complexes could act as regional 'laboratories' for piloting green infrastructure and innovative circular economy solutions. The study concluded that location-based sustainable transformation would require participatory governance and adaptive policy implementation. Furthermore, this study could promote rural revitalisation in peri-urban and developing areas by integrating planning expertise, field research and ecological indicators, thereby enabling dialogue on nature-based solutions and green rural transformation.

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Published

2025-12-16