Across China: Blossom brings business to enterprising Great Wall farmers

Blooming apricot blossoms mean a boost to Duan Jiujun's income, as the farmer living in the shadows of the Great Wall not only gets more visitors to his guest house, but can also capture stunning photographs to sell to them.

"At this time of blossom decorating the Wall, I like to show off my beautiful hometown to the world," said Duan, who has continued to farm corn and wheat even after following many rural Chinese in heeding government calls to exploit tourism.

At prices of 300 yuan (46 U.S. dollars) for a 20-inch photo and 2,000 yuan for a giant wall hanging, the 48-year-old has sold his works to tourists from around the world.

He lives in a small village in Luanping County, Hebei Province, at the foot of the Jinshanling stretch of the Great Wall, 130 km from Beijing. The edifice is known as one of the best-preserved sections of the Wall.

Since the Wall was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987, visitors have swarmed into Duan's village, Hualougou, bringing tourism and also inspiring locals with a passion for photography.

According to the village's Party committee, there is a photography lover in almost all of Hualougou's 550 households. Many like Duan have gone professional.

Duan used to be a migrant worker in Beijing, earning less than 100 yuan a month until 20 years ago when he adapted his home to offer accommodation for tourists. He also served as a part-time guide.

"I guided the photographers, took backpacks for them, and gradually fell in love with photography," he said.

Duan first picked up a camera in 2002. All the rolls of film he has taken are too heavy for him to lift in one go, and the digital photos fill 15 hard disks.

He exhibits his work in the guest house, drawing compliments and purchases.

"When told these photos were taken by a farmer, foreigners look very surprised," Duan said.

To improve his skills, Duan has sought professional instruction from renowned photographers. The studies have paid off for he has won dozens of photography prizes, including from international events in Austria, Switzerland and Greece.

None of this would have been possible before the development of the area for tourism. "Tourism changed my life," Duan said, recalling how the roads into Hualougou used to put off all but the hardiest of travelers. Even horse-drawn carriages were at risk of overturning.

Now, Duan makes 200,000 yuan a year from his guest house and photo sales, 100 times his income 30 years ago.

Luanping has a population of 320,000. Last year, it welcomed 270,000 tourists, bringing a total revenue of 100 million yuan.

"I'm recording the change that has taken place in the area through my work, with a grateful heart," Duan said. Endi