Designer trains sights on rural tourism

Project manager from Taiwan works with undeveloped villages in Fujian to help them profit from natural advantages

When Chang Sin-yee first arrived in Jixi village, Fujian province, she instantly recognized its untapped potential. Despite picturesque surroundings and being just 10 minutes from a popular tourist spot, by 2015, the village's population had dwindled as residents had found work elsewhere, mostly in cities.

For the past three years, she has been working to help Jixi, and other communities like it, make the most of their natural advantages to boost opportunities and incomes through tourism development.

"There are many undeveloped villages with beautiful mountains and waters in Fujian, and nearby counties and cities are rising, so now is a good time to develop the local tourism market," Chang said.

The 30-year-old from southern Taiwan works for a cultural and creative company hired by the Fujian government to revitalize the countryside.

Chang has led 15 projects so far, starting with Jixi, which was the birthplace of Li Chunye, a minister of war during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), as well as other historical figures.