"Local people had to work in other places and could not come home for a long time. The development of the tourism industry is good for the people in Miao villages. Young people can earn enough income by performing in the village and at the same time take care of their parents."
Farming is still the main industry for villagers, but Shi Lin says they can find other ways to make extra money.
"In the Fenghuang ancient town, there are many elderly women wearing traditional Miao clothes selling souvenirs. They are all from the nearby villages. Through this business, they can earn enough money to support their families. And younger people can also find jobs in the town as the economy has developed well there."
As there was no road in the mountain area, villagers used to walk a long way to purchase goods in other villages and walk for more than an hour to farm their fields every day. In Zaogang Village, the local primary school has only two grades, so children have to go to a larger village for further study. After the roads were constructed, the students' daily trip was shortened to less than an hour from two to three hours. Many families have also bought motorcycles and other electric appliances.
Some worries have also appeared alongside the benefits brought by the tourism industry. Western Hunan has two kinds of Miao people - one group has generally adopted the living style and culture of the Han people, while the other keeps Miao traditions and may even speak only the Miao language. As more and more visitors come to Miao villages, many worry that the ancient Miao traditions will gradually vanish. However, Shi Lin has a different opinion.
"If the Miao villages are not developed, the living standard is too bad. In fact, the old traditions like the Miao festivals are still well-preserved. During the traditional festivals, many people come to our villages especially to see and experience the celebration activities."
Local tourism department statistics show that income from tourism accounted for 58 percent of Fenghuang County's GDP last year, and it is estimated that a larger sum will be made this year.
Local Miao people are feeling confident of a brighter future.