The Folk Museum in Shoukoubu village. [Photo/Datong Daily] 

Late spring breathes life into Shoukoubu village in Yanggao county, Datong, as vibrant blossoming apricot trees transform the landscape. Once a struggling village, Shoukoubu has become a national 3A tourist attraction, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward rural revitalization. 

Originally established as a military outpost during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Shoukoubu has used its rich cultural heritage and unique ecological resources to fuel its development. The village's transformation began with a focus on ecological restoration. It has undertaken projects integrating apricot tree planting with soil conservation, creating a picturesque landscape of terraced hillsides and lush apricot groves. 

Visitors to Shoukoubu are welcomed by a road paved with cement and bluestone slabs, leading them to the foot of the Great Wall. This scenic route is part of the village's broader initiative to integrate agriculture, culture, and tourism, a vision championed by Yao Yuelin, the village's former Party secretary. 

With the completion of the Great Wall No 1 Tourism Highway, Shoukoubu has enhanced its tourism appeal by developing key attractions such as an art museum, an agricultural exhibition hall, and a viewing platform.

"The Apricot Blossom Festival is just around the corner," Yao said enthusiastically. "Soon, Shoukoubu will be bustling with visitors trekking the Great Wall, exploring the ancient fortress, and admiring the apricot blossoms."

The village has also revitalized idle courtyards into boutique homestays, offering unique accommodations that enhance the tourism experience. It has introduced an apricot enterprise, which annually processes 25 metric tons of apricots to produce 300 tons of wine. This initiative boosts the local economy and employs over 300 locals.