Luzhou District, Changzhi: Developing boutique homestays to promote rural revitalization

"Since we created the ostrich themed homestay, it has been well liked by tourists and has earned a good income this year," said Wang Xiaolong, a villager from Digusi Village, Laodingshan Tourism Development Center, Luzhou District, with a smile.

Wang Xiaolong has been operating a homestay in his own courtyard for 20 years. With the continuous improvement of the infrastructure of Laodingshan National Forest Park, the number of tourists climbing on weekends and holidays has been increasing year by year. Last January, Wang Xiaolong invested more than 400000 yuan to renovate his small courtyard as a whole, introducing edible ostriches and creating a unique ostrich themed homestay.

Erlongshan Village, also known for its booming homestay industry, has developed a unique coffee themed homestay at the foot of the mountain. Qin Yanjun, a villager with experience in the coffee industry, opened his own coffee themed homestay in July 2021. The fresh decoration style and unique experience create a "coffee aroma" in the countryside, attracting many tourists to come and check in.

"The themed coffee homestay we have created is a relaxing slow life experience hall, hoping to bring visitors a different experience, allowing them to let go of the fatigue of work and life and experience a slow paced leisurely life." said Qin Yanjun, the manager of the coffee homestay life experience hall.

The homestay industry, as a new form of rural industry, has become a new track and hotspot for rural revitalization and development. Relying on abundant forest resources, the Laodingshan Tourism Development Center in Luzhou District vigorously develops the rural homestay industry, promotes the development of homestays towards uniqueness and boutique products, caters to new changes in tourist demand, and forms a new form of tourism industry. It has become an important entry point for leveraging the transformation and development of the tourism industry and advancing rural revitalization.

Vigorously develop the homestay industry, guide villagers to revitalize idle housing, and use high-quality homestays to drive the development of rural tourism. In recent years, the Laodingshan Tourism Development Center has continuously provided various basic services for homestay entrepreneurs, vigorously supporting villagers with foundation and ability to develop the homestay industry. Relying on the unique advantages and village architecture of Laodingshan National Forest Park, actively exploring the development model of characteristic themed homestays, doing a good job in homestay development, and driving the development of rural tourism. At present, more than 30 homestays have been built in 5 villages of the Laodingshan Tourism Development Center. The increasing number of characteristic themed homestays has fully activated the endogenous driving force of rural revitalization, truly turning the development of local homestays into an effective way for villagers to increase their income and become prosperous.

"Next, we will continuously improve tourism supporting facilities, explore the Yan Emperor culture, strengthen brand construction, and expand functional positioning to create a cultural, tourism, and health care brand for the Laodingshan Health Base. Relying on the advantages of rich forest resources, we will actively promote the construction of the Baicaotang Health Ecological Park service project, create a health resort with local characteristics, and promote the diversified development of Laodingshan tourism." Chen Yani, the relevant person in charge of the Laodingshan Tourism Development Center, said.