Bai Chenghua, a native of Xining in her 40s, visited the village with more than 20 of her relatives and friends, based on a strong recommendation by her friend who came to Zhidonggou last year. "I was attracted to this place as my friend described it as one with a pleasant natural environment, fresh and quality food and hospitable people," she said. "I feel excited and happy here."

Zhao said that he's satisfied with his life now. "Previously, I didn't dare to even imagine I would lead such a good life," Zhao said, "Now, the money I make in one day is even more than what I made in one month as a migrant worker," he smiled.

Zhao's experience is just a microcosm of the village's development, which has greatly increased the income of local residents. All of the 108 impoverished people from 36 families have been removed from the poverty-stricken list by the end of 2016 thanks to the development of the herb planting and tourism industry, according to village authority.

The per capita disposable income in the village of 454 people has increased from about 10,000 yuan in 2015 to 14,095 yuan in 2019, it said.