Core Viewpoint - The company has developed its own online sales platform for travel agencies, scenic spots, and hotels, while also collaborating with online travel agencies (OTAs) to expand product sales channels [1] Group 1: Online Business Strategy - The company operates an independent online sales platform for its travel agency, scenic spots, and hotel businesses [1] - Collaboration with OTAs is utilized to broaden product sales channels [1] Group 2: Cultural and Artistic Initiatives - The Wuzhen Scenic Area has successfully hosted the Wuzhen Theatre Festival for twelve consecutive years since its inception in 2013, establishing it as an internationally influential theatre brand [1] - The company has launched various cultural initiatives such as the "Wuzhen International Contemporary Art Invitation Exhibition" and the "Wuzhen International Future Visual Art Project" to enhance its cultural positioning [1] Group 3: Innovative Experiences at Scenic Spots - The Gubei Water Town has leveraged its historical resources, such as the Simatai Great Wall, to create immersive experiences like "Dream Back to Gubei Great Wall Town" [1] - The immersive drama and interactive performances extend from the stage to the streets, enhancing the connection between architecture, scenes, and culture, resulting in positive market feedback [1]

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].