Guizhou's petal power gears up in spring

Breathtaking rapeseed blooms in Tongren, Guizhou province, draw visitors every spring.[Photo provided to China Daily]

In spring, Guizhou's flowering fields lure visitors to fly kites and experience its ethnic culture.

Taiwan resident Ye Denggui visited the province's Tongren city for a kite competition in late March, and the 53-year-old was dazzled by Huashi village's 20,000-square-meter garden of red, pink, white, purple and yellow tulips.

"It's fun to fly a kite in the fresh air in such surroundings," he says.

Contestants came from China and 21 countries and regions, including the United States, Belgium and India.

The color blast will last until May.

Villagers planted tulip seedlings in December, and the tourism sector burst into bloom with them this spring. Weekend visitors have topped 5,000 since March.

The city has integrated its natural beauty and culture to bring in visitors, who explore the area's six centuries of history and natural splendors. They also pick fruits and bamboo shoots.

Meanwhile more locals are offering farmhouse stays to the growing number of visitors.

"We can also increase our incomes by introducing tourists to local rural food," says Huashi resident Tang Xuekui.

While tulips are a new addition to Tongren's flower power, its rapeseed blooms have drawn sightseers to Wawu village for years.