Charming B&Bs pop up for overnighting in Doumen

So far, five vacant houses have been converted into Bed & Breakfasts in Shilong Village of Lianzhou Town, and there will be 15 more -- all with art courtyards -- by Spring Festival 2019.

The B&Bs, which opened at a ceremony on Jan 16, are part of a Doumen District plan to allow "more tourists to experience a warm and romantic pastoral life while turning idle residential houses into treasures." They are located along New Countryside agricultural landscaping belts.

The new accommodations serve the Lianxi area in northern Doumen. Tourists are attracted under China's Rural Life Complex strategy to Shili Lianjiang Scenic Spot, Yifeng Ecological Health Care Park, Baiguoyuan (Fruits) Garden, and Lingnan Earth Eco-Resort. 

Opening ceremony

An increasing number of visitors are driving to Shilong Village to spend weekends and holidays. Last April, for instance, 30,000 spectators went to Shili Lianjiang Agriculture Sightseeing & Experience Garden there for the two-day first country music festival in Guangdong Province.

To meet the need for attractive overnight facilities, the Rural Tourism project has a pioneered mix of eco-agriculture and B&Bs for the guests. The new accommodations are furnished with artistic ornaments for a rich creative ambience. Even nearby roads were given facelifts to match the nearby "green sea" -- a nursery stock base.

According to initiator Zou Zhixiong, 20 million yuan ($3.1 million) has been allocated to build a community with complete homestay and tourism services. These include catering, souvenirs, recreation, leisure, and hands-on farming experiences. There will also be bookstores, internet bars, saloons, health services, training facilities for film and television arts, and an art studio.

Outer appearance

Interior decor

Expanding accommodation, food, service, leisure, and personalized agriculture activities, Doumen is emerging as a China Characteristic Small Town exemplifying a new tourism economy model. An official at the district Tourism Bureau said that this fits well with Doumen's development.

Courtyard relaxation [Photos by Zeng Yao / Zhuhai Daily]