Tourism in Niru increases villagers’ income

In recent years, Niru village, one of the communities in the Pudacuo National Park, has been continuously spending effort in its rural tourism. With an increasing number of tourists, more and more villagers start to run homestays.

Niru is located in the core area of the World Natural Heritage—Three Parallel Rivers and the hinterland of Shangri-La, with lush green mountains and flowing streams. It is home to famous attractions such as Qicai waterfall, Fairy cave, and Nanbao pasture. Because of its diverse biological communities, unsophisticated folk customs, and pristine environmental landscape, Niru is loved by hiking enthusiasts.

As the number of tourists gradually increases, more villagers are joining the homestay business. Currently, Niru has a total of 22 inns and homestays with a daily capacity to accommodate 150 visitors.

Liumei homestay is one of the earliest homestays in the village, with a history of more than a decade. "In the past, there were few guests, my homestay can barely make ends meet. Now that there are more guests, life’s getting better, too. And the future will be bright for sure," said Tian Zhengyan, the operator that witnessed the changes in Niru.

After years of development, the annual income from homestay operations in Niru averages around 80,000 yuan per household. More than 15 households increase their annual income by around 5,000 yuan by providing horse-riding services to hikers. Since 2023, the number of visitors to Niru has exceeded 20,000, and the tourism revenue is around 1.8 million yuan.

With an increasing number of homestays in the village, villagers are also diversifying their operations. Some villagers begin to create online-popular homestays, while others explore other enjoy-type tour routes.

"Now, I run my homestay and a Douyin (TikTok) account at the same time. So, I can promote my homestay and better sell local specialties," said Niruzhaxi, owner of the Zhanyouqing homestay,

Niru Yuanmu is a newly opened homestay, and unlike most homestays in the village, it has fewer rooms but is more exquisite. "We have not only upgraded the room facilities but also provide personalized guide services," said Larongqilin, owner of Niru Yuanmu homestay. Since its opening, the homestay has received great comments from consumers, and during the Horse Racing Festival, rooms are in high demand.

In the future, Niru will enhance ecological civilization construction, improve service quality, establish interconnected channels with scenic spots such as Lugu Lake, Yading, Wudi Lake, Shangri-La Ancient Town, and Songzanlin Monastery, create a hiking line, and attract more tourists for sightseeing.

Source: China News; trans-editing by Wang Yunya