Liyu village, home to people of the Miao ethnic group in Xingren county, Guizhou province, was poverty-stricken in 2011.

To create a better life for the villagers, the local authorities invested in establishing three agricultural cooperatives to create more jobs and increase rural incomes. 

Besides, they now make good use of the traditional customs of the Miao people, such as bench dances, folk songs and embroidery to actively integrate tourism with ethnic culture. These customs draw many visitors to the area every year. 

The village successfully lifted itself off the list of impoverished villages in 2015. The annual per  capita disposable income of Liyu village reached 7,200 yuan ($1,088), double that of 2011. 

"I've witnessed great changes in the village in recent years," said 79-year-old villager Wu Zongren. "Now we live in a two-storey building and my two sons have returned from bigger cities to live with me." 

Nowadays, Liyu village is known far and wide. It has won 10 provincial prizes for its beautiful scenery, rich tourism resources and ethnic culture. In 2016 it was also honored as one of the national popular tourist destinations.

Liyu village in Xingren county, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, is well known for its beautiful scenery and the Miao ethnic culture. [Photo/ldqxn.com]