Tourism, equine industries increase incomes on the Inner Mongolian grasslands

Hohhot — In recent years, farmers in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region have seen opportunities to raise their income by running guesthouses and welcoming visitors to the grasslands.

Bayaer, 54, received a group of tourists at his farm in Ewenki autonomous banner during the recent National Day holiday.

"I earned around 50,000 yuan ($7,520) during the holiday period," he said.

In 2015, Bayaer built three apartments on his property and started his tourism business. Each apartment is around 80 square meters, with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bathroom, and can accommodate two to four people.

An increasing number of tourists visit the region each year, he said. His guests want to experience the unique grassland lifestyle, therefore, he decorated the apartments with traditional furniture, but also equipped them with modern electric appliances. Guests can enjoy the beauty of grasslands right outside their door.

"(City residents) want to truly experience farmer's lives, so they choose to stay on the grassland, cook and interact with farmers. It is the most direct way to learn how farmers live," said Bayaer, adding that his family earns at least 100,000 yuan a year through tourism.

Before 2015, the annual income of Bayaer's family was a mere 40,000 yuan, which came mainly from their cattle and sheep.

Bayaer said over the last few years the extra income has primarily been spent on buying horses. As an Inner Mongolian who grew up riding he is now obsessed with rearing horses. His house contains a display of horse photos and horse riding equipment.

"My grandfather made my first saddle for me when I was five," Bayaer recalled. His father taught him to ride when he was six. "We always rode horses at that time," he added.

Although he now has more than 100 horses, he rarely rides. His main form of transport is his SUV.

"Many people want to buy my horses, but I'm unwilling to sell them," Bayaer said.

He changed the focus of his farming business last year; he now processes and sells mare milk, rents out his horses for ceremonies, weddings, photographers and tourists, and has become involved in horse racing.

"Breeding horses has developed into an important industry in Xilin Gol League in recent years. I have learnt a lot from their experience, and am trying to use it as a means to become wealthy as well," he said.

He is not only developing his own business, but also leading other residents to increase their incomes.

"Bayaer was the first farmer to start tourism and horse breeding in the township. He also helps other farmers learn to breed horses to become rich," said Xirmee, a local resident.

"Grasslands are the best location for farmers, but our lives need to improve," said Bayaer. His plan is to start a cooperative, to gather more farmers to develop the industry and increase their incomes together.