This episode was recorded during Amelia’s stay at Qianhuang Bay, a family-run homestay in Xiling Village, Zhejiang Province, and features a conversation with owner Zhu Xiaokui.
Zhu opened Qianhuang Bay in 2016 after returning to his home village following years working in the city. It was the first homestay established in Xiling Village. Since then, the village has grown into a network of more than thirty family-run homestays operating cooperatively rather than in competition.
The conversation touches on opening one’s home to travelers, hospitality across language barriers, and how rural communities in China are navigating tourism without losing their footing. Rather than offering recommendations or itineraries, the episode looks at what happens when people choose to stay, work together, and build something slowly over time.
This episode is part of a larger series recorded across Zhejiang Province, focused on people, place, and community-led travel.
Topics Discussed
Keywords
Qianhuang Bay, Xiling Village, Zhejiang Province, family-run homestay China, rural homestay China, community tourism China, sustainable travel, cultural travel, rural revitalization
Additional Notes
The YouTube version includes photos and video clips from Qianhuang Bay, Xiling Village, and the surrounding area.
This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.
If this conversation resonated, consider sharing it with someone who could use a reminder to slow down. You can subscribe, leave a review, and find more episodes wherever you listen.
Photos and moments from this journey are on social at @AmeliaOldOfficial, and more about my work can be found at AmeliaOld.com.
