Four Chinese villages have been globally recognized for their exceptional contributions to cultural preservation, sustainable development, and rural tourism. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) awarded Huanggang in Guizhou, Jikayi in Sichuan, Dongluo in Jiangsu, and Digang in Zhejiang the prestigious title of Best Tourism Villages during a ceremony held in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. This initiative, launched in 2021, highlights rural destinations worldwide that excel in maintaining landscapes, cultural diversity, and local traditions. With these latest additions, China now boasts 19 villages on the global list, showcasing the country’s readiness and diversity as a tourism destination. Huanggang village, renowned for its Dong cultural heritage, features ancient drum towers and traditional wooden architecture. It is also celebrated for the Dong Grand Song, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Jikayi, nestled among snow-capped peaks and forests, is home to Gyalrong Tibetan-style homes and a unique highland agricultural civilization. Digang stands out for its ancient mulberry fish pond system, recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the initiative’s role in poverty alleviation, stating that 80% of the world’s poor reside in rural areas. By promoting these villages as tourist destinations, the program creates job opportunities and boosts local incomes. The recognition also motivates local governments to enhance infrastructure, as seen in Huanggang, where traditional granaries have been transformed into modern guesthouses, generating significant revenue. UN Tourism continues to support these communities through follow-up education and a global network for peer learning and exchange.