Tourism helps increase income of villagers

Since its trial operation on Feb 8, Danlu Mountain scenic area of Nandan county has received 100,000 domestic and foreign tourists and reaped revenue of more than 11 million yuan ($1.75 million), increasing the income of local residents.

An aerial view of Danlu Mountain. [Photo by Liang Wenmei/gxnews.com.cn]

Danlu village, located 18 kilometers from Wu'ai town, Nandan county, Hechi city, boasts rich tourism resources. The area's Daoist and Tusi (system of appointing national minority hereditary headman in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties from the 13th century to the 19th century) traditions and festive lantern culture have a long history and remain fascinating to this day. A well-preserved site which was used for concocting pills of immortality during the Ming Dynasty attracts many curious visitors.

A 70-year-old man greets tourists at the site for concocting pills of immortality. [Photo by Fu Longqiang/hcwang.cn]

In July, 2017, local government pledged 300 million yuan to a tourist program aimed at poverty alleviation and comprehensive development of tourism resources.

It first invested 80 million yuan into the construction of a glass skywalk which completed construction in January this year. The skywalk is 280 meters long and 180 meters high.

In addition, local government spent 50 million yuan to renovate the ancient city of Danlu Mountain and its performance hall and to revive the local lantern show.

The development of Danlu Mountain scenic area provides a new source of income for many locals, with most of the area's 300 employees being local villagers. They work as security guards, tourist guides, folk singers, sanitation workers, and waitresses in the region. They have a monthly salary between 1,800 and 3,000 yuan and three free meals per day.

Four local villagers sing folk songs at the entrance of the glass skywalk. [Photo by Fu Longqiang/hcwang.cn]