Luocheng Mulao autonomous county in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is promoting a development path highlighting economic growth and environmental protection.

In recent years, the local government has been striving to transform its economic development pattern by vigorously developing cash crops, such as downy grapes, walnuts and tea-oil trees, which not only help afforest the mountain district, but also increase local farmers' incomes.

According to reports, Luocheng farms 120,300 mu (8,020 hectares) of walnuts, 3,333 hectares of tea-oil trees and 5,333 hectares of downy grapes, creating a total of 62,107 hectares of planting area for agriculture.

The crops brought in a total production value of 332 million yuan ($49.02 million) in the first six months of this year, marking a year-on-year growth of 9.9 percent.

Workers guide thread at a silk making factory. [Photo by Meng Zengshi/Hechi Daily]

Improved environment in return has boosted the local tourism industry, in addition to the government's proactive measures to promote ecotourism utilizing its rich natural resources and cultural deposits.

The county welcomed 405,300 visitors from home and abroad in the first half of 2017, increasing 21 percent year-on-year.

Its featured rural tourism has generated over 512 million yuan in tourism revenue, up by 22.35 percent compared to the same period last year.

Attractions such as Jianjiang River, Wuyang River and featured villages with Mulao ethnic group characteristics are among the most popular destinations.

Local people of the Mulao ethnic group dance with tourists, in Luocheng Mulao autonomous county in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo by Meng Zengshi/Hechi Daily]

Under the guidance of the local government, enterprises have also cooperated with research institutions and improved products.

Wine and drinking water industries have experienced rapid development thanks to the local government adopting an innovation and technology-oriented development path. The total output value for wine making hit 121 million yuan and drinking water 410 million yuan in the first six months of the year.

Yuchenglong Park is an eyeful of vibrant greens, in Luocheng Mulao autonomous county in Hechi. [Photo by Meng Zengshi/Hechi Daily]