As a branch of the Tibetan ethnic group, the Baima Tibetans, known for the white plume on their hats, lived on herding, hunting and crop farming in the past.

During the 1960-1990 period, lumbering became their main source of incomes, as they resided in hilly wooded areas.

At the end of 1990s, China implemented a series of policies such as developing the western region, returning farmland into woods and protecting natural forests.

With the booming of tourism in Xiangshujia Village, signs greeting tourists can be seen everywhere there.(Xinhua Photo)

Baima Tibetan girls surf the Internet with their mobile phones during a break of receiving tourists. (Xinhua Photo)

Photo taken on Dec. 12, 2009, shows tourists enjoying a family feast in Xiangshujia Village of the Baima Tibetan ethnic group. (Xinhua Photo)

Since then, a Baima Tibetan village named Xiangshujia along the tour route from the Nine-village Valley to Huanglong in southwest China's Sichuan Province has grown into a modern village engaging in distinctive tourist services.

Great changes have taken place in the village following seven years of development as 3G (third-generation) Internet and stylish mobile phones are common to the villagers. 

 
Children do their homework at home. Children in the village are all sent to study in township or the county seat for better education. (Xinhua Photo) 

Photo shows a picturesque view of the Baima Tibetan village of "Xiangshujia," along the tour route from Nine-village Valley to Huanglong, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua Photo)
 
The Duobu River flows by Xiangshujia Village. (Xinhua Photo)
 
Photo taken seven years ago shows a view of the Xiangshujia Village by the Duobu River. (Xinhua Photo)
 
Photo taken seven years ago shows technicians making measurement before a new electric power station was built. The former cobbled road has been replaced by a wide cement one. (Xinhua Photo)

A Baima Tibetan woman harvests cabbages as her sheep fodder. (Xinhua Photo)