"My boss taught me in person how to make Western cuisine over the years, and it gave me great satisfaction when the guests recognized my cooking," Song says.

Proximity to the Great Wall and rural environment management has drawn many investors to Beigou village, making it something of an international community.

Beigou is home to a population of a little more than 100 households. The village authority began environmental enhancement in 2004.

"There was practically no road in the village, and mud was splashed everywhere when it rained," Song recalls.

Village rules and code of conduct were then renewed to offer villagers guidance, hammering home the importance of living up to traditional virtues and culture, avoiding littering and keeping rural surroundings in good order, says Wang Quan, a senior official with the village.

As a result, locals have cleared away the clutter.

Frescos and sculptures featuring classic Chinese culture elements were made, giving the village a cultural setting and a facelift.

The village adopted logistics management in 2016 and put up locals to watch forest safety, maintain the Great Wall and run parking operations.