Tourism begins to revive in SW China's quake zones

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-05 14:00

Hope of quake survivors

To Wang Xianhui, a transient worker with Donghekou quake theme park, more tourists means more income to her. Wang, 52, lost three of her relatives in the quake, including her husband and her grandson.

Tourism begins to revive in SW China's quake zones

Tourists rest in front of the quake-stricken site of Bailu French Catholic Church in Pengzhou city of southwest China's Sichuan province, May 1, 2009. [Xinhua]

She began to work around Donghekou last September when the park just started construction. But as tourists were few at that time, she only earned 1,000 yuan last year.

Wang Aixin (no relation to Wang Xianhui), another trader who operates a photo service stand near the quake-damaged Baihua Bridge, said she hoped more tourists could visit Yingxiu.

The photo service stand operator puts up a signboard bearing her personal calligraphy saying "you are most welcome to Yingxiu, but please take good care of the environment and hygiene."

"The quake has brought us too much misfortune. But as survivors, we should live well our lives ahead," said Wang Aixin.

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"The state and people from other parts of the country have poured us with help. We should not always immerse ourselves in grief," said Wang Aixin, "I think it is the best way to honor the dead to use all available resources here to support ourselves and reconstruct our homes."

Zhu Yuhua, a resident from Mao'ershi Village, Leigu township of Beichuan, runs a stand on the side of the village selling knick-knacks of the ethnic Qiang people. He now earns 100 yuan daily at most.

"My business will absolutely turn for the better if quake ruin tourism is fully developed," said Zhu.

Drive of other service trade

Shen Xingna, chief of Qingchuan County Tourism Bureau, said quake ruin tourism could not only help more people in quake zones get employment, but also boost other related service trade.

A total of 14 restaurants have been built in the vicinity since November 12, 2008 when Donghekou quake ruin theme park was opened to tourists. These restaurants are doing brisk business, causing a surge in sales of farm and sideline products.

Many locals have also found jobs as cleaners, security guards at new businesses, or workers at numerous new construction sites, according to Shen.

Many a people still frown on the idea of using quake ruins to expand tourism. Some locals even consider such activities as prospecting off of grief.

Zhang Tongrong, the Wenchuan County government deputy, said developing tourism on quake ruins was to respect history, as well as a prime way to help local people to raise income.

"The quake ruins theme tourist attractions serve as a reminder of past catastrophe and urge people to treasure lives, which in turn inspire our aspirations in life," said Zhang.

Zhang said the plan to construct a quake ruin park in Yingxiu was conformed by the overwhelming majority of the local people.

Zhang added tourism would contribute 30 percent to the county's economy in five to ten years. At present, tourism only contributes 15 percent to his county's economy.

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