Prospering from the land

When local entrepreneur Yuan Kaiyou decided to build lodges in the village to develop agritourism two years later, they discussed what unique features the retreat should advertise. Zhang proposed establishing birdwatching sites.

"Photos of natural and artificial sceneries can be reproduced by others. And other photographers with better technique and equipment may take better shots. But bird photography is about capturing fleeting moments," Zhang says.

"They're like elusive little elves."

Sanhe piloted two bird-watching sites in the first eight months of 2018, he recalls.

Over 60 species were observed. So, the village built 10 more sites that opened in October.

Sanhe currently hosts 15 observation sites, where 208 species have been seen, including several nationally protected varieties.

Bird-watching has helped turn the village into a travel destination, replete with new bed-and-breakfasts, forest rangers and guide services that employ residents.

The village had 89 households registered as living below the poverty line at the end of last year. To date, 84 of them have overcome the threshold.

Meanwhile, about 150 hectares of farmland have been reforested.