New business model transforms Yunnan's traditional park into a popular destination

Beneath the shade of tropical trees in Southwest China's Yunnan province, young entrepreneurs are selling coffee, handmade jewelry and local snacks without paying fixed rent, as a new business model helps transform a traditional sightseeing park into a popular destination for younger visitors.

The Xishuangbanna Tropical Flowers and Plants Garden in Yunnan province attracts many young entrepreneurs, while visitors stop to browse products and admire the scenery. (Photo: China Daily)

At the "Under the Trees" market in Xishuangbanna Tropical Flowers and Plants Garden, stalls selling handicrafts, tropical fruit and refreshments line shaded walkways. Visitors browse handmade accessories, stop for coffee or take photographs among lush tropical plants.

The market opened on Oct 1, 2025, as part of efforts to revitalize the garden, which previously attracted mainly older tourists traveling in organized groups.

Instead of charging fixed rent, the operator takes 10 to 20 percent of merchants' monthly sales and handles marketing, promotional activities and visitor attraction.

"Many young entrepreneurs have good products but lack the money to promote them," Liu Jian, general manager of the company operating the garden, said. "We take care of bringing in customers, so merchants can focus on improving their products."

The Xishuangbanna Tropical Flowers and Plants Garden in Yunnan province attracts many young entrepreneurs, while visitors stop to browse products and admire the scenery. (Photo: China Daily)

The revenue-sharing arrangement also eases financial pressure during slower tourism periods, when merchants pay less because their sales are lower.

The market offers spaces ranging from small stalls and mobile carts to wooden cabins, allowing businesses to expand gradually. It has attracted more than 60 merchants, about 60 percent of whom are entrepreneurs who moved to Xishuangbanna from elsewhere, with local businesses accounting for the remainder.

Together, the merchants generated more than 25 million yuan ($3.75 million) in revenue during the market's first year, according to the operator.

Among them is Li Yan, a Hani artisan who left regular employment to start a business selling handmade jewelry and henna designs. Her creations incorporate leather, natural stones and other materials traditionally used in Hani crafts.

"Without fixed rent, there's much less pressure, especially during the low season," Li said.

She now earns more than she did as a worker and enjoys greater flexibility in her working hours. The market has also allowed her to meet people from different backgrounds, exchange ideas with neighboring vendors and introduce visitors to Hani culture.

The Xishuangbanna Tropical Flowers and Plants Garden in Yunnan province attracts many young entrepreneurs, while visitors stop to browse products and admire the scenery. (Photo: China Daily)

Another entrepreneur, Zheng Jilai, moved from Shanghai to Xishuangbanna 16 years ago. He sells locally sourced tropical fruits and dried fruits, using both the market and social media to reach customers across the country.

Zheng said the warmth and openness of local residents encouraged him to stay. Over the years, he has made friends from the Dai, Hani and Jino ethnic groups, experiencing how different food traditions and customs have become part of everyday life.

The market regularly hosts ethnic cultural activities, handicraft demonstrations and themed events, providing opportunities for merchants and visitors from different backgrounds to interact.

To maintain visitor interest, the garden organizes activities roughly every two months, including durian festivals, pet-themed gatherings and Water-Splashing Festival celebrations.

The changes have also reshaped the garden's visitor profile. Previously, about 80 percent of visitors arrived with organized tour groups. Today, independent travelers account for roughly 80 percent, with younger tourists and families becoming the main visitors.

The operator has also invested 20 million yuan in a landscaped rainforest attraction featuring mist-covered vegetation, hanging vines and small waterfalls. The garden has become a popular photography destination, with nearby cafes attracting young visitors.

Liu said the company plans to continue supporting successful merchants by helping them expand their businesses, while organizing new activities to attract visitors throughout the year.