The last two years have seen a considerable increase in the number of tourists and the amount of tourism income in rural areas in Guizhou, according to statistics revealed by the Guizhou Tourism Bureau.

Meng An, a rural resident of the Buyi ethnic group who owns a farmhouse in the mountain area of Libo county in Guizhou, said the net income of his farmhouse has reached 400,000 yuan ($64,270) in one year."We would not have such a happy life without promoting rural tourism," said Meng.

Meng Lilei, also a rural resident of the Buyi ethnic group who lives in Yaoshan township in Guizhou, opened a restaurant near the road leading to the main scenic region of Daqikong and Xiaoqikong in Libo county. He can earn a net income of 300,000 – 500,000 yuan per year.

Since the development of rural tourism in Yaobo county, young people who used to go out for employment have returned. The infrastructure has been optimized to increase employment. Libo has put on a completely new look.

Rural tourism has increased income for local residents. More and more tourists are attracted by the unique rural tourism and pleasant climate in Guizhou.

Statistics show that rural tourism income has reached 22.14 billion yuan ($3.56 billion), a year-on-year increase of 24.39 percent. It is estimated that tourism income could increase by 30 percent in 2012.