Ningxia park 'garbage bank' pays tourists

YINCHUAN - Tourist Qian Yunxia carried a garbage bag when she visited the Helanshan National Forest Park, later dropping it off at a bank at the foot of the mountain area in exchange for gifts.

"It's a beautiful place, and we should keep it clean," said Qian, from Gansu province. The "garbage bank" in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region saw business soar during the National Day holiday, when tourists flocked to the scenic area.

The bank was set up in July in the parking lot. Tourists can bring garbage they collect in exchange for goji berries, also known as wolfberries, paper fans, and other handmade souvenirs.