The crown jewel of Yunnan

Those efforts have fueled the rural economy. Former subsistence farmers have evolved into hospitality entrepreneurs.

Chen seized the opportunity and cofounded a tent camp in 2020. By 2023, he invested his savings into building a homestay.

"We used to see these peaks as barriers," he reflects.

"Now, they're our golden ticket." Chen isn't alone in his success.

Sha Zhidong's life has also moved toward prosperity since he engaged in mountain-related tourism.

The 39-year-old villager vividly remembers how most families relied on farming and foraging — selling crops like peppercorns, walnuts and wild mushrooms — before 2012.

"Annual household incomes averaged just 3,500-5,000 yuan ($487-$695)," he says.

Sha's entry into mountaineering was serendipitous. At 17, while foraging for medicinal herbs, he worked as a kitchen helper for a guide who later recruited him to lead climbs.

His first attempt ended at 5,200 meters due to client fatigue, a common issue in the early days when gear was scarce and training minimal.

A pivotal moment came when Sha survived a 200-meter fall after lending his crampons to a teammate.