Libo, part of Qiannan Buyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, was put on the tourist map when it was listed as part of the South China karst world heritage site in June 2007. [Photo by Yang Feiyue/China Daily]

The success of the inn has enabled Xie to help other locals to improve their lives.

She has hired about 30 local residents to help her run the business, including catering, room service and a washing service.

Her employees make about 36,000 yuan a year.

But Xie wasn't content with what she had and she recently took out a loan of more than 5 million yuan so she could purchase another plot of land, this one covering an area of more than 800 square meters.

She is currently building another inn with 80 rooms, which she expects to be open in time for the upcoming National Day holiday.

"I dared to borrow so much, because I am confident the tourism industry will continue to grow here," she says.