Village head evolves into birding pioneer

Xie Fanglin finds innovative approach to boost Mingxi's avian tourism industry

Nestled within the rolling mountains in the northern part of Fujian province, Mingxi county in Sanming city is known for its rich avian life, boasting nearly 350 species of wild birds.

To develop bird-watching into a pillar industry, the local government in 2016 organized nearly 40 grassroots officials from its townships and villages to visit a village in Zhangzhou, a city in southern Fujian, to learn the art of operating bird hides — camouflaged shelters used to observe birds at close range without disturbing them.

Among the officials, Xie Fanglin stood out. Truly inspired by what he saw, he has transformed himself from a village official to a successful bird hide operator, homestay owner and bird-watching guide.