Ruijin, known as the "Red capital of China" and the birthplace of the Chinese revolution, is leveraging its tourism resources to fuel economic transformation and rural vitalization, said Yin Zhong, secretary of the Ruijin Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

"Red tourism is Ruijin's most valuable asset," said Yin, also a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress.

Recognized as the starting point of the Long March of the Red Army from 1934 to 1936, the famed city in Jiangxi province boasts numerous revolutionary heritage sites and diverse Red tourism routes, positioning it as a key destination for patriotic education.

Last year, Red tourism generated 12.4 billion yuan ($1.7 billion) in revenue, attracting 24.74 million visitors, a 10.1 percent increase from the previous year.

The completion of the Long March National Cultural Park (Ruijin Section) — a flagship project valued at 1.25 billion yuan — has further established the city as a hub for Red tourism in the country.

In addition, historical sites are being repurposed to drive rural development in Ruijin.

In Zhufang village, restored revolutionary landmarks now serve as homestays, study tour centers and venues for cultural events, increasing average household incomes by more than 20,000 yuan annually. Similarly, Huawu village has developed an agricultural brand for pickled and fresh produce inspired by "Red culture".

"With policy support and e-commerce, these products now sell nationwide, generating over 7 million yuan in sales and lifting villagers' income levels," Yin said.

To enhance visitors' experiences, digital technologies such as virtual reality are being integrated at revolutionary sites.

Themed performances based on historical stories, including The Seventeen Pines and Red Well Reflections, along with experiential activities such as walking the Long March route attracted more than 200,000 participants to training and study tour programs last year.

Beyond tourism, Ruijin is emerging as an advanced manufacturing base.

Its proximity to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has encouraged high-tech-related businesses, including those involved in precision machinery, biomaterials and the low-altitude economy, to set up shop in the city.

The city's precision intelligent manufacturing cluster has surpassed 10 billion yuan in output, and its textile and toy industries are transitioning toward smart and sustainable production, Yin said.

Ruijin also secured 46 major projects worth billions last year, including a biomass materials plant and a hydrogen energy equipment facility.

Upcoming infrastructure improvements, such as an airport and upgraded rail links, will enhance connectivity, establishing the city as a key hub for industrial relocation.

"Industrial upgrading has reshaped our economy and job market," Yin said, citing the creation of 6,700 new jobs around Spring Festival, with labor shifting from agriculture to technology-driven sectors.

"By synergizing our revolutionary heritage with industrial modernization, Ruijin is pioneering a high-quality development model," he said.

With targeted policies and reforms, the city aims to become a national benchmark for revitalizing old revolutionary base areas through cultural confidence and economic innovation, he added.

zhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn