Villagers who sell such folk items as batik cloth in Geyasi Valley in Guangxi's Nandan county benefit from travelers who come to enjoy pastoral scenes and ethnic culture.[Photo provided to China Daiy]

"The recent visits have benefited my shop," Tu tells China Tourism News.

He had fallen into poverty after a serious disease made it impossible for him to work years ago.

Locals previously relied on the bamboo trade and subsidies. Bamboo output was low, and transportation was underdeveloped.

Things changed when He Yanchang began to develop the scenic area in 2002. Over 70 households, including Tu's, are involved in tourism today.

Now, Tu can make about 20,000 yuan ($2,824) a year without too much strenuous labor.

Residents of the Wanfo Lake scenic area, two hours' drive from Tianzhushan, in Anhui's Shucheng county have been using e-commerce and livestreaming to boost tourism.

The attraction recently gave away 3,000 free tickets during a livestream on Douyin, also known as TikTok. Travelers quickly snatched them up.