As an important birthplace of rural tourism in China, Yixian county is famous for its sightseeing tours of ancient dwellings. In 2004, a couple from Shanghai converted an old house in Xidi village into a homestay with an investment of more than 1 million yuan, also the first Huizhou homestay in Huangshan city. By the end of 2023, Huangshan city has developed more than 3,200 homestays of all kinds, accounting for half of the total homestays in Anhui province. The city also witnessed a group of homestay clusters in Liyang town of Tunxi district, Hongcun village of Yixian county, Zuyuan village of Xiuning county, Xixinan town of Huizhou district, Tangkou town of Huangshan district, etc. They received more than 3.3 million tourists annually, generated a comprehensive benefit of 6.5 billion yuan and boosted employment opportunities for over 150 thousand people. According to incomplete statistics, the homestay industry in Huangshan city has attracted a cumulative direct investment of 10 billion yuan and indirect investment of 30 billion yuan. (Wu Jianghai)

Visitors enjoy the natural scenery in Qingxixingguan Homestay in Shiguan town, Yuexi county, Anqing city. (Photo/Xiong Fengxia)

Yanwoli Homestay in Sankou town, Huangshan district, Huangshan city (Photo/ Pan Cheng)

Yunwai Homestay in Zhaji ancient village, Jingxian county, Xuancheng city. (Photo/Wen Qin)

Homestays in Dayan town, Shitai county, Chizhou city (Photo/ Xiao Benxiang)