Zhouning county in Ningde, Fujian province, is becoming a sought-after summer destination for those looking to escape the heat. With an average summer temperature of just 24 C, lush forests, and excellent air quality, this mountainous county is attracting over 200,000 visitors annually, many of whom are retirees seeking a peaceful retreat.

With over 72 percent forest coverage and air quality consistently ranking among China's best, Zhouning's unique climate and environment have made it a hotspot for health and wellness tourism.

Elderly visitors, such as 80-year-old Cao Chunming from Jiangsu, are drawn to Zhouning for its pure water, clean air, and relaxed pace of life. They rent homes for extended stays, enjoying leisurely walks in the parks and mountains.

In villages like Ziyun, summer rentals see a surge in demand, with some retirees staying for entire seasons. Local authorities have improved infrastructure to cater to this growing demographic, adding tea houses, camping areas, and cultural sites, boosting villagers' incomes significantly.

Zhouning's healthcare industry has evolved to embrace the "ecology+medicine" model. The East China Microbiota Therapy Center, which opened in 2023, offers advanced treatments for chronic digestive and sleep disorders, combining the cool climate with modern medicine to provide a holistic approach to health and wellness. "After just a few weeks here, my digestion and sleep improved significantly," said a visitor from Beijing.

To ensure accessibility for seniors, Jiulongji Scenic Area now provides three mountaineering exoskeleton robots named VIGX to assist with hiking. The county has also invested heavily in senior care networks, with 15 community service centers and 100 embedded elderly care facilities.

Zhouning recently launched policies to support the "silver economy", focusing on health tourism, medical integration, and aging-in-place services. The goal is not just longer lives but more vibrant ones for the elderly of Zhouning.

The county aims to further integrate health and wellness with tourism, making the silver economy a driving force for the high-quality development of cultural tourism in Zhouning.