Commentators and columnists from African mainstream media outlets were invited to Meitan county, Guizhou province to experience the beautiful countryside and unique culture of northern Guizhou on Oct 31.

Meitan county is located in northern Guizhou province and covers an area of 1,864 square meters. With a focus on environmental protection and ecological reconstruction, Tianjiagou village in Meitan has made plans to preserve the natural scenery and minority culture in the area.

African guests and Guizhou representatives pose for a group photo. [Photo/gog.cn]

Since 2006, the village has encouraged local residents to transform their houses using traditional northern Guizhou architecture. Each family will receive an allowance of 7,000-10,000 yuan ($1,006.6-1,438) for the construction.

Thanks to supporting policies, Tianjiagou has been able to construct a 50 sq km natural ecological scenic area in southeast Meitan which offers a view of whitewashed walls and grey tile roofs that is comparable to Jiangnan Watertown.

A view of Tianjiagou village. [Photo/gog.cn]

Daqinggou, a small village northeast of Tianjiagou, is well known for its colorful dwellings and tea culture and offers scenery which is typical of many Chinese rural areas.

The African guests were impressed by the way the county has balanced its economic and tourism development with ecological preservation, a model which can also be applied in other countries.

One of the local villagers (R) greets with an African guest (L). [Photo/gog.cn]