[Photo provided to China Daily]

The village also grows large areas of sunflowers to attract more tourists. Lots of photographers, professional and amateur, go to the village when the yellow flowers blossom.

"We'll grow different kinds and batches of sunflowers to make the flowering stage longer," Zhang said.

Zhou Ruxia, chief of Guazhou township, which has jurisdiction over Guazhou village, said that the town does not welcome industrial programs and will only develop tourism.

"It is a small township not far from the Yangtze River," said Zhou. "Besides the graffiti and sunflowers of Guazhou village, other villages are also encouraged to develop their own attractions. For example, tourists now can enjoy hot springs, go fishing and pick fruit in different villages."

"The villagers support our plan to develop tourism. We are working together to find a green way to build the villages."

Contact the writer at cangwei@chinadaily.com.cn