After Heavy Rains, Over 200 Tourists Choose to Stay in Hua Shi Village for Summer Retreat

On August 6, 2025, in Hua Shi Village, Xinglong County, the air was filled with the scent of freshly roasted walnuts as local tour guide Bai Jinli prepared a meal for a group of 20 elderly visitors from Tianjin. Despite the recent heavy rains that had caused significant damage to infrastructure in the area, over 200 tourists chose to remain in the village, drawn by its cool climate and tranquil environment.

Nestled in the mountains with an average elevation of over 500 meters, Hua Shi Village has long been a popular destination for senior tourists from Beijing and Tianjin, thanks to its lush greenery, clean rivers, and comfortable accommodation options. With more than 130 local guesthouses, the village is known for its ability to provide a peaceful retreat from the summer heat.

However, the recent heavy rains brought challenges. Roads and bridges were damaged, and only small vehicles such as electric tricycles could pass through the village. Despite this, many visitors chose to stay, believing that the guesthouses were not significantly affected by the flooding.

Liu Weiguo, the Party Branch Secretary of Hua Shi Village, emphasized that the village was doing everything possible to ensure the safety and comfort of the remaining tourists. 'We will take care of these guests,' he said, adding that the village was prioritizing the needs of the visitors in its recovery efforts.

Among the visitors was 83-year-old Shang Huijin, who has been coming to the village for years. 'I eat well and live comfortably here. I sing and do exercises every day. I can't wait to come back next year,' she said, expressing her satisfaction with the care the village provided during the crisis.

Another visitor, 65-year-old Wang Xiuzhen, praised the community's response to the disaster. 'When supplies were running low, the village sent us rice and oil. The village officials visited us every day, and the guesthouse owner was very attentive,' she said. Bai Jinli, who runs the Guo Shen Guesthouse, took it upon himself to walk for over an hour to a higher ground with signal to inform the families of the elderly visitors.

For some, like Qiao Xiaojun, the owner of the Da Hu Guesthouse, the damage was more severe. His property was flooded, and he and his family have been working tirelessly to clean up the mess. However, he remains optimistic. 'The village is helping us with a bulldozer to clear the rocks outside the guesthouse. I just need to work harder to get everything back in order as soon as possible,' he said.

Liu Weiguo shared that the village had already dispatched one bulldozer and two excavators to repair the roads, and that villagers and cleaners were working together to clear the debris. 'We are all working together to restore the village and welcome visitors back by early September,' he said.

As the village continues to recover, the resilience of its people and the unwavering commitment of local businesses to their guests serve as a testament to the community's strength. The story of Hua Shi Village is one of perseverance, kindness, and the enduring bond between hosts and visitors.