Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

The concept of digital nomads has emerged and grown rapidly in recent years. By incorporating them into development plans, local communities can witness economic growth, tourism growth, and richer cultural exchanges, while also offering digital nomads unique places to live and work.

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, Lishui in East China's Zhejiang Province recently introduced "Eight Measures to Support Digital Nomads," and the "Digital Nomad Travel and Co-Creation Plan for Lishui," using digital nomads as a key to attract more talent and creative ideas to its rural areas, thus revitalizing rural regions.

Other regions, such as Wenzhou in Zhejiang, Ziyang in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Huangshan in East China's Anhui Province, and Meizhou in South China's Guangdong Province, have also introduced policies and created communities to attract digital nomads. These efforts encourage digital nomads to participate in rural revitalization, tourism development, urban construction, and cultural preservation. 

Digital nomads are individuals who work remotely using mobile devices while traveling to different places. Their work, life, travel, and leisure are seamlessly connected online, unlike traditional lifestyles where these activities are separate.  Bloggers, streamers, programmers, freelance writers, and others are examples of this group, and they are becoming a common sight in many communities.

"The digital nomad community holds immense potential in driving the development of local tourism. Digital nomads are not just short-term visitors but a group that can stay for extended periods. They often have a strong interest in local culture, history, and natural landscapes, seeking a deeper experience that integrates work and life," Yang Jie, a tourism planner at the Shanxi Cultural Tourism Digital Experience Museum, told the Global Times. 

Their presence also drives the development of better infrastructure, such as co-working spaces, high-speed internet, and modern accommodations. These improvements benefit both nomads and local communities, enhancing the area's attractiveness to other visitors and investors. At the same time, digital nomads not only spend money locally but also bring skills and networks. They can help modernize traditional industries, improve marketing, and introduce new technologies. 

"The digital nomad community contributes to attracting talent, revitalizing local economies, and injecting new energy into business hubs by encouraging the return of skilled individuals. The presence of this group also enables local governments to develop relevant policies, provide funding, technological support, and market assistance," Zhang Yi, CEO of the iiMedia Research Institute, told the Global Times. 

Zhang further highlighted the importance of digitalization and technology brought by digital nomads. "In many rural areas, traditional industries often lack advanced thinking, modern technology applications, and innovative problem-solving abilities. Digital nomads can help modernize local industries and support the integration of rural tourism and cultural development," Zhang added.

Digital nomads bring fresh ideas and diverse cultural perspectives to local communities. Their presence fosters cultural exchange and sparks creative thinking, offering new insights and inspiration for local development. 

Lu Boke, who owns a hostel-like commune in the scenic Mandiu Ancient Village in the Dai Autonomous Prefecture of Xishuangbanna, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, has met a lot of digital nomads. 

"Digital nomads can indeed inspire the local youth," Lu told the Global Times. "We focus on integrating local and non-local youth to help them learn and grow together. For example, we have facilitated workshops and discussions on career paths and professional skills, gathering digital nomads and local youth. Many of the non-local young professionals come from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, and they are often highly skilled and outstanding in their fields. This makes them valuable examples for local youth, who need guidance and inspiration to grow and improve," he said.

According to the report by Lishui Daily, among the eight measures, highlights include services such as entrepreneurial resource matching, networking and social interaction opportunities, and access to cultural and tourism benefits for digital nomads. Lishui encourages digital nomads to participate in branding local agricultural product sales. Notably, the city offers rewards and subsidies of up to 300,000 yuan ($4,1099) for these efforts.

For the Travel and Co-Creation Plan, the initiative focuses on three key areas: IP co-creation, digital co-creation, and rural co-creation. By fostering strong community connections, Lishui seeks to attract and gather young professionals from diverse industries, including community operations, homestay management, new media operations, e-commerce, arts, and finance, said the report.

The rise of digital nomads has also prompted local governments to innovate and adapt. By recognizing the potential of this group, governments are creating policies to support their integration into communities. Regions like Lishui can lead by example, demonstrating how to use this unique group to promote tourism.

In conclusion, integrating digital nomads into local development plans creates mutual benefits. Digital nomads gain the opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic cultures, work in peaceful settings, and connect with local communities. Meanwhile, local governments and communities benefit from increased economic activity, greater cultural diversity, and the advancement of tourism development, resulting in a win-win situation.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn