Located at the source of the Qiantang River, Kaihua is a small mountainous 
county in China's Zhejiang Province. 

In recent years, guided by an ecology-based growth strategy, the county has 
become a major ecotourism destination by playing to its strengths, with the 
goal of satisfying tourists with different expectations. The county has been 
upgrading scenic spots into government-rated parks and promoting the 
development of an economy that both fully respects and benefits from the local 
environment. 

The distinctive Hong Yao Li homestay in Yaojia Village is a good example of how 
Kaihua has been developing its tourism sector with the concept of ecological 
civilization in mind. Through the combination of a national park located within 
its borders, beautiful country, a county-wide 5A (similar to 5-star) rating 
from the China National Tourism Administration, in tandem with several towns 
with a 4A and villages with a 3A ratings from the same authority, Kaihua has 
taken on the mission of creating a modern national park destination. 

Several itineraries for discovering the beautiful rural scenery have been 
designated as part of the roadmap for the development of Kaihua's "tourism-for 
all" offering. The value-add from tourism, where one plus one makes more than 
two, is already providing a boost for the local economy, as many industries 
have integrated elements of tourism into their business models. Root carving 
has become one of the more profitable ways in which locals have benefited. The 
charming mountainous landscape and the crystal clear water of local lakes and 
streams have also boosted local development. The picturesque Baili Jinxi 
Gallery has helped facilitate the rural revitalization. Driven by the emergence 
of tourism as a sustainable component of the local economy, the vision of 
ensuring everyone has meaningful means by which to earn a living and every 
family has a steady income is becoming a reality.

SOURCE  People's Government of Kaihua County