Pear tree spurs tourism boom in Ningbo village

The blooming pear tree in Liming village draws many visitors in spring. [Photo/Yan Long]

A pear tree in Liming village, Ningbo, has transformed the once-quiet rural area into a thriving tourist destination.

With its gracefully arching branches and a canopy blanketed in white blossoms, the nearly 60-year-old tree has become a seasonal sensation. During peak bloom, it draws an average of 5,000 visitors daily, eager to capture the breathtaking contrast of the snowy flowers against the crystal-clear waters of Dongqian Lake. Social media has only increased its appeal, putting the tree in the spotlight of the region's tourism scene.

The surge in visitors has rapidly developed Liming village's tourism. Over the past year, private investment has poured in, supporting more than 50 local cafes, homestays, farm-to-table restaurants, handicraft workshops, and other businesses. Along the lakeshore, villagers sell specialty fish products, traditional snacks, and souvenirs, creating new income opportunities.

One of the beneficiaries is Shi Wenjun, a 58-year-old local who previously worked as a restaurant owner and a maternity nanny. Sensing an opportunity, she rented a lakeside house last March for 50,000 yuan ($6,890) per year and opened a small restaurant with her family. The restaurant only has seven tables, but thanks to the tourists coming to see the pear tree, business is thriving.

"Life is much more promising now," Shi said.

Local authorities plan to expand tourism infrastructure and enhance visitor experiences, ensuring that the village's transformation continues to flourish.