And nearly 100 heads of state, including former US president Bill Clinton, have visited the hamlet, which is hailed among "Guilin's eight top attractions".

That's not to mention a million ordinary travelers who arrive annually.

The Yipin Tofu stand proudly displays photos of former Afghan president Hamid Karzai sampling its fare during his visit.

The village chief says future plans include devising delicacies beyond tofu while also inventing more bean-curd dishes.

This, authorities hope, plus green landscapes, may prove a new recipe for success for Guilin's "tofu village".

About this series

China Daily explores the country's shades of green in this series.