Yan is just one of the locals whose lives have been transformed by the rise in tourism. The local rural household income crossed 100,000 yuan ($14,563.9) in 2018, a year-on-year average, and 52 villages of Dongtou have risen above the poverty line as defined nationally, according to local authority.

The district government has encouraged homestay development over the years to stimulate the tourism potential of the islands and revitalize the rural economy. Local homestays used to be in clusters near major scenic spots earlier and offer poor services, which didn't help to draw more vacationers, according to Lin Xia, a senior official with the district.

To change the situation, efforts have made in recent times to improve ecology around the bay area and four rural sightseeing routes have been developed to give Dongtou a facelift.

"We value the fishing villages of the islands, and we have launched a three-year campaign to protect and develop them," Lin told China Tourism News.

Old houses made of stone, ancestral halls and streets in 21 local "historical villages" of Dongtou have been restored. Homestays, cafes and bars have opened in the neighborhood of some stone houses in Huagang village, for example, to help visitors enjoy both the natural beauty of the place and modern facilities.

Moreover, favorable policies and subsidies have been in place to encourage more local rural residents to engage in the homestay business in Dongtou. So far, a total of 13 homestay clusters have been formed to draw visitors from far and wide.

Local authorities have also offered guidance on how to create a distinctive homestay culture by providing tailored leisure products to visitors. At the moment, tourists can opt for themed vacations such as fishing, photography, music or cycling.

"We want our homestays to be more humane, with more diverse services, and ensure better experiences for travelers," according to Lin.

The idea is to offer everyone, from children to lovers and the elderly, a good stay.

"We are now pushing to integrate pottery, seafood and fishing with homestays," Lin told China Tourism News.

More culture, health, leisure and sport elements would be added to spice up visitor experience in future, she added.

Hu Pengfei, a musician from the northern Liaoning province, says he likes Dongtou so much that he has decided to settle in the district along with his wife. The couple have rented two local houses with yards and are now running a homestay. Creating his own music and sharing it with his guests is a great joy to him, Hu says.

His business has also helped to diversify the local homestay business, the development of which has created job opportunities and helped many rural residents provide quality tourism services to visitor