Tasting old world charm

A local vendor sells gesso-free tofu.[Photo by Yang Feiyue/ China Daily]

The government plans to spend another 300 million yuan to upgrade infrastructure in the area. The plans include building hotels and commercial streets, and to encourage local traditional cultural and art activities.

The growing tourism sector has also provided an incentive to local residents to open up small businesses.

Huang Jianxing, 48, decided to open a small catering business, in his house, in 2012 when he and his wife learned that the local government was planning to develop tourism in the area.

This year, instead of relaxing during the Spring Festival, Huang's family was up at 5 am daily preparing food in their small kitchen.

They received a food order for 30 people on Day 1, but prepared food for 100 as people often drop in without giving notice, says Huang.

Huang offered a food package comprising eight bowls representing eight classic local dishes, with ingredients such as plaster-free tofu, carp, braised meat and escargot.

"When I was a child, eight people would sit around a square table and eat eight dishes," says Wang.

Wang's family has fed more than 100 guests since New Year's Eve.

Last year, they had 1,000 tables, and each table had roughly 10 guests.

Wang's price this year was 360 yuan, an increase from 280 yuan last year.

"Costs are up during the festival, so I have increased prices," he says.

"But when everything goes back to normal, I'll scrap the new price and go back to the old one."