Wudang district sees tourism boom with rise of summer homestays

Wudang district in Guiyang is witnessing a surge in summer tourism as rural homestays grow in popularity. As of July, the number of homestays has increased to 415, with over 3,000 bookings recorded this summer alone, reflecting strong demand for cooler, countryside retreats.

A rural homestay in Wudang is surrounded by green plants. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang]

Locals in Xinbao, Yangchang, and Pianpo villages have been upgrading facilities, building gardens, and offering cultural activities like folk singing and traditional food-making. These efforts have attracted long-stay visitors from Sichuan, Chongqing, and Hunan, breathing new life into local communities.

Entrepreneurs like Chen Yanhua from Yangchang village have turned idle rural homes into income-generating guesthouses. Her business has expanded from three to 30 rooms, bringing in nearly 100,000 yuan ($13,936) annually. By early summer, all rooms were booked.

Wudang has developed one provincial-level and five district-level demonstration sites, formed a rural tourism association, and launched a unified service standard to support the tourism industry. Visitors receive "Village Resident Cards", granting them discounts at scenic spots and local restaurants.

The district also integrates healthcare with tourism. It provides services like traditional Chinese therapy, home visits, and health lectures, enhancing both wellness and safety for visitors.

With idle rural houses becoming valuable tourism assets and locals increasingly benefiting, summer homestays are emerging as a key driver for rural vitalization and sustainable growth in Wudang.