Zhuangzimao village, nestled deep in the mountains of Gansu province, has blossomed into a thriving ecotourism destination. Once isolated, it now attracts visitors eager to experience rural life. As spring approaches, villagers are preparing for an influx of tourists.
Tofu workshops are buzzing with activity, and fried pancake stalls fill the air with mouthwatering scents. Farmers are busy renovating their land for urban students to engage in hands-on learning. Greenhouse melons are being planted, and local farmhouses are ready for guests.
Yang Qingyan, a local entrepreneur, has been using livestreaming to promote the village’s specialties. “We’re offering a new brewing of cooking sauce and vinegar,” she shares enthusiastically. “We also have handcrafted millet vinegar and ready-to-eat snacks. Contact me if you’re interested.”
Yang’s eco-farm, founded five years ago, has been at the heart of the village’s transformation. Over the last two years, Zhuangzimao village has gained fame by combining agriculture, culture, and tourism. With the help of livestreaming, visitors flock to see the village’s unique offerings, such as cave-style homestays, organic gardens, and a children’s amusement park.
The village’s rise in popularity is a stark contrast to the scene Yang encountered in 2019. After running successful businesses in the city, she visited her hometown and saw its struggles. “I couldn’t bear to see my hometown left behind,” she says. Determined to make a change, Yang closed her businesses and returned to Zhuangzimao.
Her path was not easy. Yang used her savings to build the eco-farm, but many villagers were doubtful. “They thought I was daydreaming,” she recalls. Only four families initially supported her, but Yang refused to give up. She was determined to prove that rural revitalization could succeed.
Today, Zhuangzimao village is a success story. The local community, bolstered by Yang’s determination and creativity, has embraced a new era of tourism and sustainable farming.
