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January 3, 2014

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HomeCity specialsHangzhou

Rural inns upgrade

Hangzhou is encouraging owners of rural inns called “happy farmer houses” to upgrade to the level of a modern “minshuku” to lure more visitors to the city’s countryside.

Minshuku, a term from Japan, refers to fancy inns in scenic areas that provide fewer rooms than hotels and are decorated in homey decor.

Last year, happy farmer houses generated over 2.5 billion yuan in revenue and received 25 million customers, according to Hangzhou’s agriculture office.

Happy farmer houses are simple hotels and restaurants in the countryside run by local farmers. In Hangzhou there are almost 2,600 of them in rural areas such as Lin’an, Tonglu and Fuyang.

According to Hangzhou officials, an information package on financial and operational aspects will be sent out this year to support the development of minshuku.

Another trend is that happy farmer houses are marketing themselves on the Internet as well.

Last year, Bainiu Village in Lin’an brought in 120 million yuan on the Internet.

“We are updating,” said Xu Qi of Qinfeng Village, Fuyang City, Hangzhou. “Before, happy farmer houses merely provided food and beds. Now we arrange tours, and take visitors to experience the area’s authentic local culture.”

 


 

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