Tourism transforms formerly impoverished villages

Located in central Hainan province, Qiongzhong Li and Miao autonomous county was once a typical impoverished mountainous area. In recent years, it has transformed its poverty-stricken villages into tourist destinations in order to increase incomes.

The Qiongzhong government has pursued ecotourism and carefully managed green growth since 2013. These efforts balance urban and rural development in the county and have helped reduce poverty. 

Zahan was once the remotest and most impoverished village in Qiongzhong. It eventually became the first in the county to develop it stourism industry, however, and has transformed into a well-known destination. Net income per capita has increased greatly in the village in recent years.

The Qiongzhong government highlights the unique historical relics, residential architecture, and folk culture that can be found in the villages under its administration and has created 10 tour routes.

It also encourages businesses to participate in village development in order to create more jobs for local residents. As a result, waitressing, sanitation, and others jobs have become available in scenic areas.

Companies that participate in Qiongzhong’s rural tourism industry also lease farmers’ land and allow them to become shareholders if they transfer their land usage rights. Wages, lease payments, and dividends have resulted in per capita income in Shiyun village increasing from 2,466.8 yuan (US$354) in 2012 to 8,328.6 yuan (US$1,194) at present, for example.  

The Qiongzhong government has helped its villagers develop agritainment undertakings, guesthouses, and other new businesses and has invited experts to provide them with tourism and hotel management training.

The more tourism expands and evolves in Qiongzhong’s villages, the happier and richer their residents’ lives become.