The Basum Lake Tourist Development Company that runs the tourist spot says it employs nearly 40 people, from several villages, working as guards, cleaners, and lake cruise skippers.[Photo by Liu Xiangrui/China Daily]

If the meditative life is not your cup of tea, outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking competitions have been introduced in recent years, and the Basum Lake attraction is applying to become a 5A-level tourist spot, the highest level recognized by the Chinese tourist authority.

Over the past two years the local government has spent nearly 200 million yuan ($29.49 million) upgrading infrastructure and other aspects of the scenic area, and that investment seems to have paid off handsomely, the attraction bringing in 18 million yuan in revenue last year.

The Basum Lake Tourist Development Company that runs the tourist spot says it employs nearly 40 people, from several villages, working as guards, cleaners, and lake cruise skippers.

Since 2010, Gesang, 28, from the nearby village of Cuojiu, has been a cruise skipper for four years and says he earns about 2,500 yuan a month.

"Working for the tourist company is relatively easy, so many people want to join," says Gesang, who used to be a farmer.

His parents still depend on farming for their livelihoods, but given the influx of tourists his family has plans to start a rural inn.