Where trash was once king

Every summer before this year, 60 percent of tourists came from the surrounding Qinghai, Sichuan, and Shaanxi provinces, and Ningxia Hui autonomous region, he says, and most of the rest came on self-driving tours.

However, there are few places for tourists who have driven long distances to take a break, he says.

For example, along National Highway 213, if there were a place that offered shelter from sun, or a vendor selling yogurt, they would stop to take a break, but there are few such places, which is why he built the tent hotel, he says.

"Only if people stay can other related tourist products and services be developed."

Tourists start pouring into Gannan usually at the end of June. After three peak months, their numbers fall rapidly in September, and the travel season comes to an end in October. However, Sonam Donrop has built a heating system in his tents so travelers can come to the grassland to see the snowy winter landscape.

"The local government is developing tourist products throughout the prefecture, but we are short of management talents, especially pioneers who have advanced skills and ideas. If we can be successful, perhaps we can set a model for the whole of Gannan."