Protection of forests pays off for villagers

In 2013, the village introduced a company that invested 30 million yuan in a rafting program and the village as a whole took a 10 percent stake in the operation. Other companies invested in programs including aquaculture, ecotourism and orange growing.

Yang, a former butcher, said environmental attractions like the forests and rafting program meant he could receive about 100 tourists a day.

"Not only people from cities nearby visit for the beautiful scenery, but those from Beijing, Shanghai and overseas have been to my restaurant," he said.

Yang has two houses and said that because more tourists are visiting the village he plans to renovate another one into a homestay next year.