An increasing number of people are transitioning from being tourists to residents and then to entrepreneurs, choosing to stay and start businesses in Yunnan.
In a recent interview, Wang Ning, a National People's Congress deputy and Secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Committee, expressed that in Yunnan, dreams can become reality for those who pursue them, and anything is achievable through hard work.
Last year, over 5.5 million people came to Yunnan for extended stays, with a growing trend of individuals opting to remain and launch ventures. During the recent extended Spring Festival holiday, Yunnan welcomed nearly 53 million tourists.
The appeal of Yunnan lies in its 'purity', 'beauty', 'novelty', and 'uniqueness'. Wang Ning highlighted that the pristine nature nurtures simple hearts, which in turn foster pure dreams. The cloud seas over the Ailao Mountains, the tea forests of Jingmai Mountain, the clear waters of Fuxian Lake, along with nighttime conversations by the fireplace, smiling faces in local markets, and mutual aid within villages, help people find tranquility and rediscover their initial aspirations.
He stated that the picturesque landscapes, exquisite local customs, combined with diverse cultures and flavorful living, provide endless creative inspiration for entrepreneurs. Time-honored crafts such as Yi embroidery from Chuxiong, Zitao pottery from Jianshui, and silverware from Heqing are being revitalized by young entrepreneurial residents in intangible cultural heritage workshops, breathing new life into them.
Wang Ning pointed out that Yunnan is a land full of novelty, with new changes and opportunities emerging annually. He cited the coffee industry as an example, where output value grew from less than 10 billion yuan to nearly 100 billion yuan in just three to four years. Many visitors are opening cafes, establishing coffee estates, and selling coffee via live streams, successfully combining their stay with entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the region's unique climate—mild winters and cool summers—offers broad prospects for developing wellness tourism and outdoor sports. Its strategic location as an open frontier to South and Southeast Asia, coupled with the robust passenger and cargo traffic on the China-Laos railway, adds to its advantages.
Wang Ning emphasized that in Yunnan, for those willing to dream, dreams can come true; for those willing to strive, all things are possible.
Zhang Yu, originally from Heilongjiang, and his wife moved to Dali, Yunnan, after a decade in Shanghai, seeking respite from the fast-paced urban life. The pleasant climate and well-established ecosystem for long-term stays attracted them deeply. Zhang Yu noted that Dali's welcoming atmosphere towards people from across China and the world, along with its diversity and inclusivity, fosters a sense of belonging. The mountains, waters, ancient towns, and unique ethnic culture further enhance its charm.
In April 2019, the couple rented a small courtyard near Dali's ancient town, transforming it into an apartment and renting out spare rooms. Over several years, their operation expanded from one courtyard to eight, now offering over 100 rooms, each equipped with a kitchen, induction cooker, refrigerator, and washing machine. Zhang Yu mentioned that their initial goal was to cover living expenses, but they discovered Yunnan's favorable business environment and numerous opportunities, gradually evolving from seeking a livelihood to building a business.
Chen Yuxin, founder of Wandou Coffee, worked in Beijing for years and frequently visited Dali for short stays. In 2023, she relocated her company headquarters to Dali to strengthen ties with coffee bean producing areas. Chen reported hiring many excellent new staff in Dali and regularly participating in informal gatherings organized by local government departments, where entrepreneurs share resources and advice. Her company now grows at an annual rate exceeding five times. She also mentioned meeting a British couple who stayed in Dali for a year; with their assistance, she is promoting Yunnan coffee beans in London.
French chef Vincent Aguesse has lived in Kunming, Yunnan's capital, since 2015, married a local woman, and opened a French restaurant. He regards Yunnan's wild mushrooms as precious gifts from the land and climate. Each August and September, he incorporates the freshest wild mushrooms into French cuisine, creating dishes like chicken braised with white wine and wild chanterelles. Vincent said that food has helped him understand, familiarize himself with, and integrate into life in Yunnan, but his exploration of the region continues.
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