Smattering of English aids village's tourism
Two visitors base jump from a bridge above Getu River in Guizhou's Ziyun county. The province is known for its untouched hills and natural environment. |
Residents of Gebong in southwestern China's Guizhou province are finding that learning some English words can improve their business as the mountainous village gains in popularity with overseas visitors.
"Several foreigners came to the village some days ago and each day they had some eggs and tomatoes at my stall," said Xiao Ling, making a point of speaking the two items she sold in English, sitting as she sat behind her stall at Getu River, a national-level tourist destination.
Xiao said proudly that many villagers come to her for help with English words that could help their business.
Wang Xiaobi is also a resident of Gebong and runs a hostel in the village.
"A lot of foreign visitors stay at my hostel during peak seasons," she said.
"A German rock-climbing company advertises my hostel free of charge. I receive at least hundreds of overseas visitors every year."
Gebong is one of many villages that shine with their respective charm in Guizhou.
A province where 92.5 percent of the land is hills and mountains, Guizhou is rich in waterfalls, valleys, lakes and hot springs and locals over centuries have developed customs, festivals, clothing and architecture rarely found in other parts of the country.