Village in Quanzhou, Fujian, latest project for entrepreneur who was attracted by cultural similarities with island

Wang Shu-chen, an investor from Taiwan, has turned a barren village in Quanzhou, Fujian province, into a beautiful resort that offers visitors idyllic sightseeing and camping.

The entrepreneur, who has been engaged in the development of leisure farms and rural tourism for years, chose Xiadai for its similarities with Taiwan in language and customs.

She stumbled upon the village, which is located within a special zone for Taiwan investment, in February last year. Given its convenient transportation links and breathtaking landscapes, she immediately saw its potential as a resort.

Xiadai is set against a backdrop of mountains and offers stunning views of the sea. With its vast farmland, serene landscapes and simple village life, it shares many similarities with some famous scenic spots in Taiwan.

Wang hired 30 villagers and worked hard to improve Xiadai's appearance, rehabilitating its farmland and transforming abandoned mines.

The team began by cleaning the village and renovating dilapidated houses, after which they built roads into the mountains, as well as a boardwalk and footpath for visitors to enjoy the scenery.

"The concept behind the transformation was to use whatever was readily available in the area. With a clever approach, the natural beauty has been incorporated in the most economical way possible," she said.