Valley of roses

Visitors can pick up the roses themselves, and then use the petals to make their own cosmetics.

"They can have their skin checked by professional equipment first," Zheng says. "Then, they can make their own products based on their skin condition, as we offer raw materials and guidance."

The costs range from 50 to 200 yuan for the products. The assembly line can be viewed through a sightseeing gallery, and a rose museum allows visitors to gain more knowledge about the flower.

Many schools have sent children here to learn about the manufacturing process of such products.

"We receive several groups of students daily during blossom time," Zheng says.

At the end of the tour, there's a shopping center, where visitors can buy rose-based skincare products, snacks and liquor.

The rose valley has received more than 500,000 visitors in the past 12 months, raking in 40 million yuan in tourism revenues.

Speaking about future plans, Zheng says the company will develop a tourist center next year to boost rural tourism.

"The valley runs 11.4 kilometers across 11 villages, each of them with distinctive characteristics," Zheng says.

Landscaping design to upgrade peripheral scenery will start next year and venues for outdoor weddings and filming facilities have also been planned.

So far, the business boom has created job opportunities for the local villagers.

"We employ many villagers to harvest roses in May and June," Zheng says.

There are 50 full-time employees at the company and 90 percent of them are local female villagers.

Su Xueli, 43, got the job offer when she visited the rose festival last year.

"The place is beautiful and close to my home," Su says.

She lives 10 minutes away by bike.

Su, a mother, works at the company's packaging unit.

Her salary covers the living expenses of her family.

"I still get time to take care of my children and parents at home," she says.

Su is just one of the many beneficiaries of the rural tourism business.

The appeal of the rose valley has also helped to draw visitors to the villages nearby.