The rapid development of tourism has created a lot of job opportunities for the local people.

In 2005, employees in the county's service industry took up more than 70 per cent of the county's urban employee population.

Anshang Village near the scenic spot was a famous poverty-stricken village in the province in 2000.

In recent years, many of the villagers have become wealthy by engaging in the tourism industry.

Last year, the village's average annual per capita income reached 50,000 yuan (US$6,250).

The village is now a famous rich village in the province, with many families in the village owning a private car and a family hotel.

"The success of Yuntai Mountain is a result of innovative ideas, good management and service," said a tourism expert.

Laurels

In February 2004, Yuntai Mountain National Geopark was evaluated by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and became a member of the first group of world geoparks.

In addition to these titles, the mountain has also received honours of National AAAA Scenic Spot, National Forest Park, National Water Conservancy Scenic Spot and National Nature Reserve of Rhesus Monkeys.

Yuntai Mountain is now undertaking new efforts to become a member of the nation's first group of AAAAA Scenic Spots.

(China Daily 11/24/2006 page14)

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