Rural homestay boom written in tea leaves
Guesthouse owners create immersive cultural experiences to attract urbanites, Yang Feiyue reports in Huzhou, Zhejiang.
One of the most popular cultural experiences he offers is making ginkgo leaf picture frames.
"We use flower preservatives so the ginkgo leaves stay vibrant for up to two months. The guests say they acquire a sense of belonging to nature," he says.
The homestay has attracted a loyal following.
"Last year, a guest tried making a ginkgo flower project but failed, so I gave her one of ours. She was really touched and came back this year with her friends," he says.
This kind of emotional connection, he says, is "what makes the work fulfilling".
Looking forward, Xu Dan, the owner of the tea-themed homestay, says she plans to create more youthoriented spaces and collaborate with more educators to run a family-style study program that taps deeper into the history and craft of Zisun tea.
"I'm developing a leisure zone tailored for younger people with activities like camping and barbecuing," she explains.
"As the number of young visitors to our village rises, I want to offer meaningful experiences," she says.
