Village people

For four decades, Zhao has been practicing the distinctive art form of zaotou painting, which is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. It was once common for farmhouses, especially those along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, to have a zaotou that was painted with auspicious figures or floral motifs. Locals burned firewood and straw in it to cook, before gas burners and microwave ovens were available.

At Zhao's studio, visitors can try their hand at the art form by working on miniature zaotou.

"It is an efficient way for them to try, or to practice, the art form," Zhao says.

More than 1,000 visitors have visited his shop in Fengyi in the first 10 months of this year, he says.

"It has enabled more people from outside to learn about our regional art," he says.

Zhao has been invited to a dozen local schools to give regular lectures and teach students the history, culture and skills of zaotou painting.

Moreover, a greater number of clients from other provinces, such as Hebei and Anhui, have sought his services.

"My income has at least doubled this year," he says.

Lin Linlin from Shanghai was immediately drawn to the picturesque scenery and bustling tourism several years ago and decided to open a homestay in Fengyi in 2020.

She took over an abandoned clothing factory, which overlooked a lake, that had been unused for over four years.

Through unique design and arrangement, the dilapidated old building was transformed into a distinctive bed-and-breakfast, offering the charm of the Jiangnan region (the southern region along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River).

"Local officials gave me great support during the process," Lin says.

Now, her bed-and-breakfast offers more than 80 rooms, gourmet dining and conference facilities, as well as leisure activities.

"Travelers have been on the rise since the arrival of summer, and most of them stay for two or three nights," Lin says.

To meet the increasingly diverse needs of travelers, Lin has upgraded her homestay this year.

"We now offer karaoke, a barbecue, a parent-child amusement park and an outdoor swimming pool," Lin says.

"Whether it's team building, parties or gatherings, we can tailor our service to the needs of customers," she adds.

Yang Xilong, a traveler from Shanghai, has frequented Fengyi and neighboring villages in Zhejiang.

"They have not only an ideal environment but also a rich selection of businesses that can satisfy my travel needs," Yang says.

Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn