Tourism boom

Wtown tapped into the local culture to unleash its tourism potential. It developed workshops and designed performances to highlight historical figures, religion, trade and folk customs. The workshops offered lessons in kite-making and lantern-making, and taught enthusiastic visitors the intricate art of paper-cutting.

A kite-maker for three decades, Shi Yanfang has been imparting lessons to the young and old, and even celebrities. "Imagination is the highest kite one can fly. I am glad to see so many people interested in our culture and craftsmanship," Shi says.

To spice up the experience, yoga and tai chi classes are organized every morning. Visitors can cycle through Wtown, enjoy afternoon tea on a boat and join pool parties.

In the evening, wish lanterns are released and drone performances orchestrated. Musicals, choirs and jazz performances are curated as well. "These are a great hit, especially among international guests," Zhou Jianhong says.

Seasonal events, such as summer camps, beer markets, making of Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes and floating paper lanterns, are in vogue. Hot springs and temple fairs cover winter and spring.

Beijing resident Lyu Kexin's curiosity was piqued when a virtual tour of the Great Wall was launched by the Wtown management and Google Arts and Culture in October last year.

The tour included a 360-degree experience of Simatai. It was meant to grant visitors an opportunity to learn about the Great Wall's history, and understand how it is being preserved. "The architectural details, covered through 300-plus images, and 35 stories about the Great Wall were fascinating," Lyu says.

While she has visited the Simatai section in person several times, she admits the virtual tour was more exciting and enlightening. "I could access areas that are not open to the public yet. I could climb steep ridges, where the narrowest part is only half a meter wide, something I perhaps wouldn't dare in reality."

Lyu adds that she was impressed with the details in the e-tour. "I could read inscriptions on the bricks that contain information about their production site, among other things."

The tourism boom around Simatai has benefited Zhou Wenjun's village, too. Homestays and eateries have mushroomed, and business is good. "Frequent visitors have prompted residents to spruce up the surroundings as well," he says.

He says the job at Simatai allows him to both stay near home and maintain a healthy lifestyle. "I have to climb the Great Wall on a daily basis, which is a great exercise. It takes incredible patience and perseverance to scale these mountains. And oh, the rush once you make it to the top."