In recent years, the Chinese government has successively rolled out a series of measures to develop rural economies, placing greater emphasis on promoting rural leisure tourism. Rural homestay economies and folk culture have thus encountered unprecedented development opportunities.
In 2018, after thorough research and study, the Gannan Prefecture Government of Gansu Province, based on the region’s existing natural and cultural resources, partnered with Gannan Jiuse Xiangbala Tourism Development Co., Ltd. to comprehensively renovate 52 farmsteads within the Ami Gonghong Scenic Area. They built over 150 homestay rooms, enabling local farmers to start businesses, find employment, and increase their incomes right at their doorstep. This homestay hotel complex is named “Anguo Folk Village” and is scheduled to officially open in mid-August.
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As a demonstration site for market-oriented tourism operation in Gannan for decades to come, the renovation of Anguo Folk Hotel is set to become a key strategy that will boost not only the entire scenic area but also the broader Gannan economy.
Look beyond the homestay—breathe new life into it
If a homestay merely provides accommodation using rural houses, it simply won’t work. Homestays should not be viewed as standalone lodging, but rather as spaces integrated with their surroundings that preserve the essence of local life. They should blend elements such as environment and culture with food, housing, people, and local produce.
Relying on the natural landscapes, folk culture, and rural ambiance of the Ami Gonghong Scenic Area, Anguo Folk Village makes full use of traditional farmsteads and actively develops various folk entertainment activities. The furnishings and style of each homestay retain the authentic Tibetan charm. For travelers, what might have been a dull stay now becomes a vibrant cultural experience.
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High standards and strict requirements—elevating the homestay economy to new heights
The homestay economy holds great market potential and high returns, attracting numerous investors and individuals. However, due to low entry barriers, the homestay business has long operated without standardized regulations, and over 90% of homestays are non-branded. These factors have led to inconsistent quality across homestay offerings. In truth, running a homestay means striving to meet one's own standards, maintaining distinctive features and styles, which in turn creates unique charm and value.
As a featured homestay within the Ami Gonghong Scenic Area and a key project supported by the government, Anguo Folk Village underwent comprehensive planning from the initial construction phase. All buildings were constructed to star-rated hotel standards, with no cutting of corners allowed. Each structure was styled and packaged to create differentiated folk aesthetics and accommodation environments that authentically showcase Tibetan folk culture. With guest comfort as the top priority and solving travel-related issues as the goal, continuous efforts have been made to enhance the development of the Anguo Folk Hotel.
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Give life back to the scenery, and turn everyday living into poetry. Anguo Folk Hotel is both a calling card for Gannan and synonymous with the Ami Gonghong Scenic Area. Its completion and opening are highly anticipated.