Folk traditions still matter in Guizhou's villages

In a push to protect folk cultures of ethnic groups in Southwest China's Guizhou province, government funds - both provincial and central - have been enhanced, officials say.

Among China's poorest provinces, Guizhou is low on signs of development compared with other parts of the country - there are more farms than factories - but the province is rich in ecological and cultural resources, elements the local government is seeking to exploit for tourism.

While more than a decade ago, nearly 1 million yuan ($149,000) was being spent on promoting the crafts, cuisines and performing arts of the province's nearly 20 ethnic communities, more than 26 million yuan was provided for the same last year, two local government officials tell China Daily.