Homestay industry thrives in Xianju

chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2023-12-18

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In the picturesque township of Danzhu, located in Xianju county, East China's Zhejiang province, a multitude of tourists capture unforgettable moments with their cameras, while dedicated workers at various homestays diligently prepare to provide a comfortable environment for their guests.

Danzhu is not an isolated case in Xianju county. The homestay sector has emerged as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, propelling Xianju to become a vibrant destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Currently, there are over 650 homestays spread across the county, forming a robust network that fuels the growth of the local economy.

Among these homestays, 22 have received different levels of ratings, including two platinum-rated and three gold-rated homestays. Moreover, 26 homestays in Xianju have been handpicked as part of the top 1,000 homestays in Zhejiang. On average, each household earns an additional annual income of 180,000 yuan ($25,240.5) from their homestay operations.

As one of the nation's esteemed 5A tourist attractions, the Shennongju Scenic Area in Xianju ranks among the top in terms of visitor numbers in the region. Xiaye, one of the earliest villages in Xianju to embrace the development of homestay and farmhouse businesses, owes its success to its proximity to Shenxianju.

Zhang Tanhong, deputy director of the Resource Development Department at the Xianju Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Sports, and Tourism, explained, "Each year, the county allocates no less than 30 million yuan in tourism development funds, with a focus on promoting tourism, fostering the growth of the homestay industry, and upgrading tourism facilities."