International Horticulture Expo: Grand garden show expected to boost rural tourism

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Beijing's upcoming International Horticultural Expo means big business for small places, and possibly even investment opportunities. One rural village in the remote Yanqing district of Beijing has seen a surge in visitors thanks to the expo. And the tourism industry has taken off. CGTN reporter Wang Mengzhen takes us there.

The Great Wall at Shixia pass, with its broken fragments and watchtowers dating back to ancient times. At its foot, a village with the same name is now also drawing tourists. These courtyards serve as important getaways for more urban dwellers.

"My friend recommended for me to come here. The grilled pork dish and fried eggs with stones are their specialties. When the dishes are served, it gives me a sense of ritual, sometimes we even have to book in advance."

"Unlike ordinary hotels, these countryside courtyards combine modern living and eating local delicacies and it's a great opportunity to appreciate nature, particularly for our children."

About a half hour drive from the garden expo venue, this boutique inn is one of the 124 guest houses branded as a "Horticultural homestay" by Yanqing District authorities.

"This time though I notice different things, like the indigenous fresh flowers and plants decorated in our guest rooms. Meanwhile, the service quality is always improving every time we came."

Owner He Yuling says preparation for the horticultural event is not done as the spring flower bloom just started here.

HE YULING, OWNER BEIJING SHIGUANG GREAT WALL BOUTIQUE INN, YANQING "We've planted different types of flowers in different yards. Within a few weeks, each yard will turn into a mini-pavilion such as a rose- or peony-themed yard. We are also training our staff to learn basic spoken English to better communicate with foreign guests. "

When He took over inn operations three years ago, she had her work cut out for her.

HE YULING, OWNER BEIJING SHIGUANG GREAT WALL BOUTIQUE INN, YANQING "Few visitors came here because of its remoteness. And many yards were old and had even collapsed. But it has a very rich history. So, we decided to renovate more than 20 yards."

And now the Beijing Shiguang Great Wall Boutique Inn is grander than ever.

HE YULING, OWNER BEIJING SHIGUANG GREAT WALL BOUTIQUE INN, YANQING "In fact, our rooms are fully booked for the coming labor day holiday. And for our restaurant, a total of more than 2,000 diners are expected for the four-day holiday."

Local authorities are behind the restoration of these old yards to boost Yanqing District's rural tourism.

ZHENG AIJUAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR TOURISM AND CULTURE BUREAU OF YANQING, BEIJING "Relying on the impact of both the horticultural expo and the 2022 winter Olympic games, many businesses are investing in Yanqing. Authorities have also massively funded preservation of the ecological environment."

WANG MENGZHEN BEIJING "Local authorities say after the expo, these vacation homes and yards– will be redesigned to complement the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. A treat for winter sports fans from around the world. WMZ, CGTN, BEIJING."