A businessman's perspective on village tourism

Ancient Hui-style houses, featuring black tile roofs and white walls, are well-kept and maintained in Huangling, a small village on the middle of a mountain in Wuyuan county, East China's Jiangxi province. During autumn, Huangling residents dry all the crops, such as corn, red chili, and chrysanthemum flowers outside their windows. The tradition, shaijiu, which began due to limited space in the terraced fields, is now a phenomenon that amaze visiting photographers. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

You were a respected policeman before you returned to your hometown to start a business in 2000. What prompt you to make such decision?

The year 2000 saw the initial development of Wuyuan's tourism. I am a Wuyuan native and I knew that the country's unique architecture, culture, humanity and eco-friendly environment had great tourism potential.

Did you have your family's support?

Not really. They were uncertain about the future of Wuyuan's tourism at that time.

Many people say that, "If a traditional village gets popular, its original ecology will be destroyed." What do you think?

I agree. Every tourist destination has a capacity for the number of tourists. This problem can be prevented by upgrading the business model, instead of counting solely on charging admission tickets.