In 2022, Shilong Cave in Qingzhen, located west of Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, became a viral sensation in the outdoor community due to its enchanting underground pools and unique caving experiences, even earning a spot on the cover of Chinese National Geographic.

The Shilong Cave. [Photo/WeChat account of Qingzhen city]

By August 2023, a new set of experiences at Shilong Cave was launched, developed collaboratively by Mafengwo, Wwan Youth Travel, and Qingzhen's Guanyou village. Experiences such as paddle-boarding exploration and snorkeling, quickly spread across social media, garnering over a billion views. It then attracted high-spending tourists from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as foreign visitors.

Chen Gang, founder and CEO of Mafengwo, stated that the project partnered with the Chinese Mountaineering Association to conduct professional guide training, transforming local villagers into certified outdoor instructors. This initiative significantly boosted local employment, increasing villagers' monthly incomes to more than 10,000 yuan ($1,414). By 2024, the per capita disposable income in Guanyou village exceeded 24,000 yuan, with the collective village income reaching 300,000 yuan.

The Shilong Cave. [Photo/WeChat account of Qingzhen city]

The transformation of Shilong Cave exemplifies the development of mountain tourism in Guizhou. As the province accelerates its efforts to become a world-class tourist destination and advances the integration of "mountain tourism +" strategies, the continued synergy between ecological preservation and economic growth is evident.