Tourism gets quake-struck village back on track

Penpa said construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In addition, a concrete road is being built to connect the village to the nearest town center, giving tourists easy access to the village to watch azalea flowers, purchase wooden handicrafts and enjoy local delicacies, such as cheese and yogurt.

Nyima Wangdu, former village leader of Ne, was the first person in the village to operate an inn service and benefit from tourism.

Before the earthquake, the county tourism bureau provided him with 40,000 yuan in funding for his business. He also invested 120,000 yuan of his own savings, developing a homestay offering nine rooms with 23 beds.

"In the past, there were very few families operating inns, but since this year, all families in the village whose houses are complete have started to do so," Nyima Wangdu said. "Tourists come in the summer. I have been making a living from tourism for more than 10 years. I receive an annual income of 50,000 to 60,000 yuan."

However, due to a local sand factory being closed, construction of more than 50 percent of houses in the village is still not completed, and it is inconvenient for villagers to live in tents.

"Our village sits at an altitude of about 3,000 meters, so it is hot in summer, and when it snows in winter, it is not safe to live in tents," Nyima Wangdu said.

"The reconstruction has taken a long time as it was difficult to transport the materials needed to the village, and the planning of the project was a lengthy process."

Another villager, Dawa, said there are 13 people in his family. His house collapsed in the quake, and their new house is still not finished, meaning all of his relatives are living in tents.

"Thanks to the government, we will soon have a new home, and the house is big enough to have a room with eight beds, so we will be able to take in tourists," Dawa said.

"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the government for providing us with tents, bedding, clothes, cooking tools and other equipment."

palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn