Wasteland has an appealing transformation

Although it only opened to the public in March last year, Jinlinwan tourism town has attracted 600,000 visitors so far this year, up 50 percent over the same period of last year, with many coming to relax in the hot springs and view the fields of lavender.

"The town used to be a barren wasteland, until we turned it into grassland and introduced flowers and the tourist facilities a few years ago," says Wang Jianwei, vice-general manager of a tourism company that runs the town. "Now families can enjoy camping and barbecues on the grassland and they have access to a gym and can enjoy sports such as basketball, badminton, tennis and horse-riding."

Moreover, Jinlinwan appeals to couples who come here to have their wedding photos taken by professional teams in the picturesque surroundings.