B&Bs benefit from travel boom

By Yan Wanqin, Yichang International Communication Studio

On June 23, Jiang Feng, manager of Homtel Diff Nine B&B in Sandouping Town near the Three Gorges Dam, was occupied with hosting guests.

"During the two days of this weekend, all 14 rooms were fully booked," said Jiang.

Sandouping Town, located on the south bank of Xiling Gorge, is home to two 5A level scenic spots - the Three Gorges Dam and The Tribe of the Three Gorges Scenic Area.

In recent years, the "Two Dams and One Gorge" travel route has gained popularity, attracting a large number of tourists to the town. Last year, over 6 million visitors flocked to Sandouping, with 276,000 travelers choosing to stay overnight. The cruise route, named after the Gezhouba Dam, Three Gorges Dam, and Xiling Gorge along the Yangtze River near Yichang, has contributed to the town's tourism boom.

In addition to the increased tourism, the local bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) along the route have also thrived. Currently, there are 72 B&Bs in Sandouping, generating an annual revenue of more than 25 million yuan (US$3.4 million). The tourism industry has attracted more villagers, with many earning over 200,000 yuan a year.

In April 2023, the first chain-branded boutique B&B Homtel Diff Nine was introduced to the town and became an instant success.

Located across the road from the Three Gorges Dam, this hotel features a modern-retro style with public terraces, private swimming pools in select guest rooms, and laundry facilities for guests.

Jiang said: "This is China's seventh hotel, with 90 percent of rooms offering a view of the dam from the window." The hotel has generated an average monthly revenue of approximately 120,000 yuan since its opening over a year ago.

Boutique B&Bs are gaining popularity due to their unique design, distinctive decoration, and attentive service. The B&B Moon 15th, which opened last September, has already achieved widespread recognition.

Li Hai, a tourist from Wuhan, said: "Not only is the environment beautiful here, but the service is also incredibly attentive. The staff has personalized travel itineraries for us, recommended local cuisine, and helped us purchase everyday essentials." Li praised Lu Yonghong, a housekeeper at the B&B, for their exceptional service.

Shihengfeng B&B distinguishes itself through its focus on food. The parents of the B&B manager Shi Wanshuang have operated a restaurant in the town for 28 years. Despite opening just two months ago, the B&B has already attracted a significant number of tourists.

Shi said: "Our dry pot dishes are very popular. They are authentic farmhouse cooking, and many out-of-town guests love them. Some time ago, a South Korean tourist took our restaurant’s preserved pork ribs home when he left." Shi added that the B&B is not just a place for foreign tourists visiting the mountains, but also a platform for promoting local culture and cuisine.

In Sandouping town, there are now 10 high-end boutique B&Bs that are building their brands and forming a local hotel cluster.

A B&B cluster demonstration project will be launched in Gaojiachong Village of Sandouping Town. The project will involve renovating residential house facades, constructing viewing platforms, and parking lots. The local government will collaborate with private investors to transform vacant houses into B&Bs, creating the first B&B village for viewing the Three Gorges Dam.

The town is considering ways to promote additional local attractions to encourage tourists to stay longer. A night tourism project is being developed at Huangling Temple, a national cultural relic.

"We have introduced a holographic projection light show to give visitors an immersive experience of the culture of the Gorges, water control and resettlement,” said Zhang Equn, general manager of Yichang Jinruilai Tourism Development Co., Ltd., the project investor. “It aims to create a new destination of the 'Two Dams and One Gorge' night cruise, so that more tourists will stay overnight in Sandouping."