Nestled within the rolling mountains in the northern part of Fujian province, Mingxi county in Sanming city is known for its rich avian life, boasting nearly 350 species of wild birds.

To develop bird-watching into a pillar industry, the local government in 2016 organized nearly 40 grassroots officials from its townships and villages to visit a village in Zhangzhou, a city in southern Fujian, to learn the art of operating bird hides — camouflaged shelters used to observe birds at close range without disturbing them.

Among the officials, Xie Fanglin stood out. Truly inspired by what he saw, he has transformed himself from a village official to a successful bird hide operator, homestay owner and bird-watching guide.

Living in Zhongxi village in Mingxi, his bird hide has become a favorite among bird-watchers and photographers. His homestay, which boasts 22 standard rooms, is often fully booked, and his tour to observe the elusive white-eared night heron, an endangered nocturnal bird, has become one of the most popular services among bird enthusiasts since its launch in January.

"If you treat bird-watching as a business, you must be truly hardworking, open to new ideas and not afraid of changes," Xie, 48, told China Daily at his three-story homestay. "Because birdwatchers and photographers' interests are always evolving, they seek new and rare birds to watch and photograph. To meet their changing needs, I am always thinking about how to improve my services."

His business savvy has been nurtured by his diverse experience. He joined the People's Liberation Army in 1996 and retired in 2001. After several years in wood-floor processing and trading in Yunnan province, he returned home in 2008. "My friends asked me to return to help develop our village," he said.

After two years working as a village cadre, he was elected Party chief of the village in 2013.