Rural homestay boom written in tea leaves
Guesthouse owners create immersive cultural experiences to attract urbanites, Yang Feiyue reports in Huzhou, Zhejiang.
In addition to popular in-house entertainment like poker and karaoke, villagers have connected nearby scenic spots within a 1.5-hour radius.
"Guests stay and eat in Shuikou, but we help them explore the surrounding areas," Zhang says, adding that the arrangement attracts many visitors to stay for at least three days.
The diverse themes have added richness to Shuikou's rural tourism tapestry.
"Each place has its unique characteristics, which makes Shuikou a sustainable and beloved destination," he says.
About a three-minute walk from Xu's place, Xu Xianfeng's homestay was built after he decided to imbue his operations of ginkgo elements in 2020 when business was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The transformation was more than cosmetic. It was built around a deep connection to local culture and natural resources.
"We're surrounded by ginkgo trees, so the theme of our homestay is all about ginkgo: its flowers, photo albums, leaves, and more," Xu Xianfeng explains.
Even the food and drinks reflect this theme.
"We serve ginkgo milk tea and ginkgo fruit powder hand-prepared by my wife. They're free not only for our guests but also anyone who dines with us," he says.
As he welcomes visitors to the homestay, he enthusiastically shares samples of the local yearround offerings, ranging from dried ginkgo nuts and bamboo shoots to peanuts.
The themed experiences tug at the heartstrings of urban travelers, many of whom have shared their experiences on social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, which helps attract more visitors.
The seven rooms of his homestay and the dining room were at full capacity during the May Day holiday.
"Over 80 percent of our guests are families with children. When kids get a change of scenery, they put their phones down because they can engage with nature all day," Xu Xianfeng notes.
