Answer to poverty for many may be found in tourism

Zhou Shulin, a resident of Xinhua village in Chongqing, once migrated to cities to make a living. It was a common practice among his peers: It was hard to make a living through farming.

"As migrant workers, my wife and I could earn 50,000 to 60,000 yuan ($7,500 to $9,000) every year. After living expenses, we only had 20,000 to 30,000 yuan," said Zhou.

Working outside one's hometown can bring problems: unattended elderly parents and left-behind children without proper parenting, for example. When Zhou was advised to stay at home and earn a living from tourists, he was more than happy to try it.