In 2020, the government will invest 240 million yuan to upgrade Niangziguan's infrastructure and connect its scattered resorts. [Photo/China Daily]

The local government has set its sights on turning Niangziguan into a top destination by 2025.

"Our development has strictly been revolving around President Xi Jinping's idea about green mountains and clear water being equal to mountains of gold and silver," says Zhu Jiming, Party secretary of Niangziguan.

"We know that good ecology and environmental conditions are the only way out," Zhu says.

Since October 2019, villages in the town have worked on the replacement of coal with natural gas as fuel, and developed the drinking water and sewage pipeline network.

Small landscape gardens and wall murals demonstrating local culture have taken shape.

"All the clutter that used to stand by the road has been cleared away," Zhu says.

To date, the local government has continued to strengthen infrastructure and upgrade tourism facilities.

In the town's Hebei village, about a few minutes' drive away from Shuai's place, rows of homestays are neatly perched on a lower mountain that faces a river.

"We just finished the toilet and sewage upgrade and are ready to welcome guests," says Yang Baozhong, a senior official with the village.

A path of wooden planks runs along the river, where dozens of bamboo rafts are docked on the bank.

Visitors can enjoy rafting during their stay, while taking in the views, Yang says.

Crops have also been planted near the river. They are intended to help provide local cuisine for travelers.

Hebei village has been focusing on river water treatment and historical buildings' repair to offer a better travel environment for tourists, Yang says.

Pingyang Lake is located in the valley section of the Mianhe River to the north of Niangziguan town. [Photo/China Daily]

The number of travelers to Niangziguan rose to 800,000 in 2018, from around 100,000 in 2016.

Tourism income reached 27 million yuan in 2018.

The booming business has helped increase local incomes, which have doubled to about 10,000 yuan ($1,412) per capita as compared to the past, according to Zhu.

Niangziguan has now joined hands with the Great Wall Tourism Development Co of Shanxi Cultural Tourism Group. Night tours have been developed to spice up the travel experience for visitors. Both sides will also tap into local female culture and stage relevant tourism events.

In 2020, the government will invest 240 million yuan to upgrade Niangziguan's infrastructure and connect its scattered resorts, according to Zhu.

Hotels and a tourist reception center will be built. Also, a new water town will be developed in the future to better complement rural tourism.

The goal is to turn Niangziguan into an all-season destination that offers a slow-paced health preservation lifestyle, Zhu says.

Contact the writers at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn