The family inn keepers provide buttered tea for tourists. [Photo/Agencies]

"Now our days are getting better and better!" said Drolma Yangzom, a family inn keeper who was busy working in her yard.

Drolma Yangzom's yard is classically Tibetan-styled with exquisite three-storey houses. The yard is very tidy, spacious, and comfortable.

Drolma Yangzom lives in Gongzhong Village, the famous "millennium walnut village", in Bayi District of Nyingchi City, Tibet Autonomous Region.

In the past few years with the rapid development of rural tourism, Drolma Yangzom embarked on the road to gradually become wealthy.

"Our family used to be very poor since we have few arable lands," Drolma Yangzom said.

There is only a small portion of arable lands in her village. In Drolma Yangzong’s family there are six mouths to feed, but only about 10 mu (0.667 hectares) of land to cultivate food. Farming the land, her family could only afford basic food and clothing. Her husband also needed to hold part-time jobs to earn money and make ends meet.

"During that time, life was difficult. We had two daughters and did not have enough money to feed them properly," Drolma Yangzom still felt grieved at the past bitter memories.

In 2005, the village officially welcomed implementation of their "the first Tibetan folk village" project. As tourists gradually increased, Drolma Yangzom decided to take chance to open a family inn and provide guests with authentic Kongpo food.

With the help of local government, the "Dromal Yangzom's Family Inn" was opened for business. Through Drolma Yangzom’s diligent work, her small family inn soon became a resounding success: guests living here could not only enjoy the beautiful scenery but also authentic Tibetan cuisine. Known in the village as the "golden voice", Drolma Yangzom also offered travelers from afar melodious songs. Slowly, her business was getting even better. Drolma Yangzom’s tough and bitter days finally come to an end.

Drolma Yangzom said, her home is designed to host 15 beds. A one night stay at her house costs 50 yuan (8.1 US dollars). Her annual income now is nearly 30,000 yuan (4838.7 US dollars). When peak tourism season arrives, her house is almost fully booked.

Since her household income greatly increased, Drolma Yangzom has saved up to open a department store and expanded her business.

"Now the whole family is better off and it’s all thanks to the good policies of the party! I believe our days will get even better in the future!" Drolma Yongzom said smilingly.