Core Viewpoint - The development of ancient towns in China has faced significant challenges, with many projects, including the Duyong Ancient Town, experiencing substantial financial losses and operational difficulties, leading to a growing number of "empty towns" across the country [1][2][7]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Challenges - Duyong Ancient Town, built with an investment of 2.4 billion yuan, has accumulated losses exceeding 1 billion yuan by the end of 2024, with a single-year loss of 596 million yuan in 2024 [2][5]. - The project was initially expected to generate annual revenues of 500 million yuan and a net profit of 200 million yuan, but it has failed to meet these expectations [5]. - Nearly half of the 2,800 ancient towns in China are projected to become "empty towns" by 2025, indicating a systemic issue within the sector [1][7]. Group 2: Market Saturation and Similarity - There are over 27,000 tourism-related enterprises in the ancient town sector, with nearly 40% facing poor operational conditions, including liquidation or suspension [7]. - The proliferation of similar architectural styles and commercial offerings across ancient towns has led to visitor dissatisfaction, with many tourists noting the lack of uniqueness [9][10]. - A survey indicated that 95.31% of respondents had participated in ancient town tourism in the past two years, yet many expressed frustration over the homogeneity of these destinations [19][21]. Group 3: Cultural and Operational Insights - Successful ancient towns, such as Wuzhen and Xitang, have maintained their cultural integrity and adapted to modern tourist preferences, contrasting with poorly managed projects that lack historical context [15][21]. - The failure of Duyong Ancient Town serves as a warning for the industry, emphasizing the importance of genuine cultural engagement and effective operational management rather than mere replication of successful models [15][21]. - Tourists are increasingly seeking immersive experiences rather than superficial visits, indicating a shift in preferences that ancient towns must adapt to in order to thrive [17][21].

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by ancient towns in China, highlighting the contrast between the successful model of Wuzhen and the struggles of many other towns that have attempted to replicate its success [2][7][12]. Group 1: Overview of Ancient Towns - There are over 2,800 ancient towns in China, with 312 recognized as national historical and cultural towns, primarily located in Jiangsu and Sichuan [2]. - The success of Wuzhen has inspired many local governments to invest heavily in developing or replicating ancient towns, leading to significant financial commitments [7]. Group 2: Wuzhen's Success Factors - Wuzhen's development began in 1999, focusing on unified planning and construction, which was innovative at the time [3]. - The team behind Wuzhen emphasized restoring historical aesthetics and implementing underground infrastructure to maintain the town's traditional appearance [3]. - Operational management was crucial, with over 90% of businesses being self-operated, ensuring service consistency and quality [4]. Group 3: Challenges Faced by Other Ancient Towns - Many towns, despite heavy investments, have failed due to poor planning and operational execution, leading to significant financial losses [7][8]. - A common issue is the homogenization of offerings, where similar shops and products dilute the unique appeal of each town [8][9]. - The lack of local cultural integration and the tendency to replicate successful models without adaptation have contributed to the sameness of many ancient towns [9][12]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - Experts suggest focusing on cultural excavation, product innovation, and management optimization to combat homogenization [12][13]. - Establishing unique cultural identities for each town and enhancing visitor experiences through diverse offerings are essential [13][14]. - Retaining local residents and their traditional businesses can help maintain the authentic atmosphere of ancient towns [9][14].