Badaling capitalizes on resources to realize prosperity

Wang Shuyue, a 52-year-old resident of Badaling town's Shifosi village, said her family spent generations herding livestock and planting fruit but were never able to earn a decent living.

Wang said her family of five decided to turn their house into a homestay in 1995, in response to the central government's efforts to develop rural tourism.

Badaling－in Beijing's northwestern Yanqing district, which is hosting some 2022 Winter Olympic Games events－is home to a section of the Great Wall of China.

The government's efforts soon led to change, benefiting not only Wang's family but also the village. Other villagers began promoting the distinctive Great Wall culture to outsiders and attracted tourists by providing better accommodations and dining areas.

"Badaling is a historical town rich in natural resources, and its cultural belt of the Great Wall, ski resort, zoo and forest park are unique rural tourism highlights. They've helped our villagers make a better living," said Wang Zhenlong, Party chief of Badaling.

The town is currently holding a rural tourism festival that will run through March 4, attracting visitors with both traditional Chinese and Winter Games-themed activities.

Badaling is expected to receive 100,000 travelers during the festival, which began on Jan 9, according to the town's scenic area management committee. Arts and crafts and performances, including a dragon and lion dance, are among the activities.

Paper-cutting, an intangible cultural heritage in China, has also been introduced to the homestays in Badaling. Gong Guofang, an inheritor, offers one-hour folk culture lessons to show visitors how to cut Winter Olympics-themed patterns.

Gong said she studied pattern design and paper-cutting techniques for more than 40 years and began learning how to incorporate Winter Olympics elements at the end of last year.

"From paper folding to cutting, the skill can not only help people enjoy the vibe of Chinese Lunar New Year but also strengthen connections with others," the 57-year-old craftswoman said.

A paper-cut of Bing Dwen Dwen, the mascot of the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games, is one of Gong's proudest creations.

"I hope our paper-cutting artistry, as a long-lasting folklore culture, can achieve more global acclaim through the Winter Olympics and become a bridge to make China and other countries closer," Gong said.