In a country where the economy has been growing at an average of 9% a year for the past 3 years, & one that receives more than 70% of its power through burning coal the words Eco & China are not often associated with each other.However, one pioneering entrepreneur who has lived & worked in China for over 17 years has made his sustainable business vision come true in Yangshuo. Chris Barclay built the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (YSMR) in 2001 on the banks of the pristine Yu Long River 8km from Yangshuo Town. The hotel was built on Chris’s firm beliefs in sustainable tourism, both in terms of the environment & local cultures that come from the area.
The hotel has a policy of only employing local people apart from the foreign coaches that come to give continuous training to the staff in English & hospitality.The location of the Mountain Retreat is one of its most compelling pull factors, built on what was once fallow rice fields Chris & staff planted over 400 trees & shrubs creating lush grounds where guests can eat, relax & simply enjoy the views. Huge karst formations surround the hotel jutting out of the ground like rows of dragon’s teeth & the Yu Long River flows gently by making it a perfect place for a swim in this sub-tropical region of China. With emerald rice fields interspersed with ancient Ming dynasty villages across from the hotel,Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/996828
