With a background in architecture, Zhou led his design team to launch a green restoration project in early 2017. The homestay opened in 2020 and quickly became a popular destination. The local government has supported this initiative by providing infrastructure such as a display area for a weekend specialty market, a basketball court, paved roads, and street lighting.

Zhang Deqiang, a mining environmental expert at the China Institute of Geo-Environmental Monitoring, praised the project during a recent field trip. "I've noticed that many ecological restoration projects in Chongqing are supported by industries, primarily thanks to the full use of the region's superb strategic location."

He noted that the mining pit and cultural tourism development in Beibei have enabled the municipality to explore a unique restoration path that addresses historical ecological issues while providing new growth opportunities for rural vitalization.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, which has restored 7,025 hectares of historically abandoned and closed mines, marking significant progress in ecological protection and restoration.

Zhou said he plans to enhance the site's functionality to draw diverse visitors. He envisions creating a hub for homestays that offer comprehensive services to tourists, thereby attracting more investors interested in agriculture and hospitality.

Contact the writers at dengrui@chinadaily.com.cn