Page 11 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (108)

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FOCUS | 焦点

Home away from home: Engaging activities await

“家”里，有风景

By Zhang Min □ 张敏 / 文

When tourists seek more than just a photo opportunity, Homestay to achieve an impressive annual occupancy rate of
when the homestay owner offers a glass of homemade plum 80%. Guests’ brief visits have often transformed into lasting
wine instead of just a room key, and when conversations by emotional connections. “Thanks to running the homestay,
the fire become more memorable than guided tours of scenic I’ve made many homestay friends. They come here to un-
spots—a transformation is quietly unfolding in Yunnan. It wind for a few days now and then. We explore the ancient
is no longer merely a “tourist destination.” Rather, with the town together, share conversations, soak up the sun, and
warmth of homestays, local vibrancy, and innovative expe- even exchange local specialties,” Zhang Ailing said.
riences, it invites tourists to pack the “Yunnan lifestyle” into The enhancement of homestays involves not only up-
their suitcases. grading the physical facilities but also embracing multi-di-
Nestled deep within the ancient tea forests of Jingmai mensional scene innovations centered around the concept of
Mountain in Pu’er City, the fireplace at the Vipaxana Abailai “homestay +.”
Homestay is always alight. Yang Jianwei, the manager, Bingzhongluo Town, situated in the northernmost part of
shares the cultural allure of this soulful tea mountain with Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County within the
visitors through a variety of experiential activities, allowing Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, serves as a significant
them to enjoy unique Jingmai nights. In the early morning, waypoint on the Greater Western Yunnan Tourism Ring
guests can accompany a Bulang elder to pick tea; in the af- Route and is a vital part of the core area of the “Three Paral-
ternoon, they can knead tea cakes using traditional methods lel Rivers” World Natural Heritage site. The Yunye·Jianjiang
while connecting with the spiritual energy of the mountains Homestay, nestled within the Nujiang Grand Canyon, offers
and fields during yoga meditation. As night falls, everyone an exceptional vantage point for viewing the sea of clouds.
gathers around the fireplace to roast glutinous rice cakes To attract visitors, the homestay features a stunning infinity
over the open flames. pool that has become a popular photography spot. Manager
The Vipaxana Abailai Homestay has maintained an im- He Xiaohu shared, “We see all kinds of photos taken here—
pressive occupancy rate of over 90% for 70 consecutive proposal photos, family portraits, and couple shots. The
days. Tourists from as far away as Norway and Singapore homestay is more than just a place to stay; it embodies the
have already booked guest rooms and tea culture experi- memories of important moments in people’s lives.”
ences for November this year. “They’re not here just to The Yunye Jianjiang Homestay is actively exploring a new
see Yunnan, but to experience the Yunnan lifestyle,” Yang business model that combines “homestay + outdoor activities
Jianwei remarked with a smile. Today, activities such as tea + photography.” By leveraging the abundant outdoor resources
picking, mushroom foraging, and hiking have been seam- in Bingzhongluo, it integrates travel photography with various
lessly integrated into the daily life of the homestay. Even the outdoor experiences while also training talented local youth to
volunteers have taken on the role of “part-time tea farmers,” become photographers, offering tourists more diverse options.
making the homestay a bridge that connects local culture This innovative approach not only provides fresh experiences
with the aesthetics of everyday life. for visitors but also establishes a foundation for Bingzhongluo’s
With its cream-colored decor, Dai ethnic pattern cush- ambition to become a premier outdoor destination.
ions, and a courtyard always filled with the aroma of freshly Currently, Yunnan has explored innovative integrated
brewed coffee, the Jianhe Homestay in the Dai Ancient business models under the “homestay +” concept, such as
Town of Mangshi, located in the Dehong Dai and Jingpo combining homestays with sports, travel photography, camp-
Autonomous Prefecture, radiates warmth. Zhang Ailing, ing, and intangible cultural heritage. These offerings not
the manager, reveals her secrets in the finer details: “We only enrich the travel experiences for visitors but also create
customize travel itineraries for guests who need them and countless beautiful moments. Together, these moments en-
provide high-quality accommodations and dining services. capsulate the essence of Yunnan’s sojourn economy: instead
The laughter and excitement from barbecues and games in of focusing on temporary impressions, it celebrates the beau-
the courtyard have transformed strangers from all over the ty of everyday life that invites people to “stay.” The flicker-
country into friends. This year, we also organized a long- ing flames in the fireplace, the swaying tube skirts hanging
street banquet for guests staying on Chinese New Year’s on the clothesline in a quaint courtyard, and the smiling fac-
Eve, allowing them to celebrate with a festive dinner.” es reflected in the infinity pool all serve as vivid reminders
This family-oriented service has allowed the Jianhe of Yunnan’s many-splendored life.