Thousands of buses, sports utility vehicles and limousines clogged the road to Diaowo village on May 1, one of China’s main national holidays. They poured into the narrow valley, carrying residents from Beijing in search of a long-weekend break in a place whose rustic attractions make it a popular destination.

The villagers greeted the tourist invasion with delight – this is what pays for their new houses and cars and their children’s education of.