Relying on rich ethnic culture and abundant ecological resources, the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture of Guizhou province is striving to develop a health industry.
"Since our company was founded in 2006, the output value has increased from 500,000 yuan ($79,807) to more than 16 million yuan, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 30 percent," said Yang Xianhui, the founder of Guizhou Congjiang Shenyao, a health-care company in southeastern Guizhou's Congjiang county.
With the company's help, over 200 households in Gaojiao village of Congjiang county plant Chinese herbal medicine. Every year they provide 200 tons of their crops to the company.
Yao bath is a characteristic business that brings great value to residents of the county's Baiweng village. The village is home to the Yao ethnic group. The village name is pronounced the same way as the Chinese word for medicine, so Yao bath actually refers to a medicinal bath.
"Yao bath is a traditional therapy to strengthen blood recycling and eliminate fatigue by adding some decoction of Chinese herbal medicine into warm bath water," said Zhao Yuanfu, a resident of Baiweng village.
Zhao runs a Yao bathhouse in the village. The special experience attracts guests and has earned more than 10,000 yuan in 20 days since the bathhouse was opened.
Data shows that over 30 ethnic groups account for 80 percent of the total population in Qiandongnan. The prefecture's forest land accounts for 70 percent of the total area, always an attraction to visitors.
"Making use of ethnic culture, favorable climate and local ethnic herbal medicine, Qiandongnan successfully integrates health with culture and tourism," said Long Xianjin, who works for the prefecture's health industry.
According to Long, the prefecture has also launched a series of policies and measures to promote the health industry. It plans to initiate 227 health projects with a total investment of 85.6 billion yuan this year.
Zhao Yandi contributed to the story.
