Tourism growth makes Heping a holiday hotspot

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Visitors packed the narrow, cobblestone lanes of ancient Heping Town in early February.

Located in China's southeastern Fujian Province, Heping turned into a tourism hot spot during the Spring Festival holiday, which took place last week.

Visitors posed for photos with ancient buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), while others were busy purchasing local specialties and snacking at the street vendor's stalls.

Heping Town in Shaowu City, southeast China's Fujian Province. /VCG Photo

Throughout Heping, lion dances, drum beating and ghost-repelling shows were demanding attention. "We have seen daily tourist numbers peak at 20,000," said Ke Jing, an official with the town government.

The town hired roughly 50 locals to give folk custom performances during the Spring Festival holiday. About six shows were presented each day during the weeklong holiday to enable travelers to better enjoy local traditions, Ke adds.

Fu Haiying was busy doling out porridge made of lotus seed and lily bulb powder near the entrance of the ancient town. Every bowl of the porridge was made on the spot to ensure it tasted just right. "Business is great these days," Fu said.

A street vendor's stall at Heping Town in Shaowu City, southeast China's Fujian Province. /VCG Photo

The vendor, in her 50s, started selling porridge during major holidays about two years ago. The government has also helped her with a dried seafood and bamboo shoots business, which has lifted her out of poverty.

The Heping town government invested more than 100 million yuan (14.8 million U.S. dollars) in tourism development last year. It has built green parks and renovated shops offering souvenirs, beverages and books.

And it appears to have paid off as the better infrastructure has helped to attract an ever-increasing number of travelers from afar to appreciate the town's ancient beauty.

Source(s): China Daily