Village prospers by embracing ethnic culture, tourism

In 1998, the village was destroyed by floods. With a donation of 30 million yuan raised by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the village finished its rebuilding project in 1999.

All the villagers moved to new homes, and their living conditions were greatly improved.

However, due to the disaster, a language barrier and limited income channels, the villagers still lived in poverty.

In 2013, Hala was rated as an impoverished village.

To lift the village out of poverty, Meilisi district government officials tried various methods to develop the tourism industry and promote traditional ethnic culture.

"Relying on its ethnic characteristics and ecological resources, we planned to improve its tourism industry," said Wu Hao, Party chief of the district. "The government put in 200 million yuan to build infrastructures, including a tourist reception center, homestays and roads. The annual grand Kumule Festival also attracted lots of tourists."