Source: CCTV.com

05-11-2006 16:10

The Internet is beginning to make its presence felt in China's countryside. A village outside Beijing where the people are surfing the high-tech tide. The farmers know you don't have to understand advanced technology to be able to use the Internet.

Diaowo village is hidden deep in the mountains. The land has proven inhospitable to farming, but it's luring city dwellers for weekends of fresh air and simple, hearty food.

Wei Dexiang and his wife run a family inn. Their facilities look like a typical farmer's house - except for one thing: the Internet access. Wei spends at least one hour every day on-line - mainly at his own webpage taking care of reservations and answering questions.

Wei Dexiang said: "A lot of people make reservations by phone. They say they found my number and my place online. They also make reservations through my webpage. They can even order meals. I would say 30 to 40 percent of my profit is generated from the Internet."

But high-tech isn't without glitches.

A call to the technician, and the problem is quickly solved.

Wei Dexiang doesn't have to pay for the service - it's subsidized by the government. The Internet connection is 50 yuan, or roughly 4 dollars a month, less than what one guest will bring in a day.

These people have just dropped in for meal. The menu is extensive - but some dishes aren't displayed on-line. Wei Dexiang's wife notices this, and says she'll call to update their webpage after she finishes fixing lunch.

The guests want a fish. The kitchen is out of it. But all it takes is a phone call, and by the time they're ready to cook, a fish is delivered.

Wei said: "For the next webpage update... I'll point out the differences between my place and the family inns of my neighbors. This way, the guests have a variety to choose from. The Internet can help me provide better service, help me make more money."

Wei Dexiang always tells his customers to keep in touch through his webpage.

Diaowo is small, but cyberspace is a big place. The story of Wei Dexiang, farmer-turned-innkeeper, may soon start another page, this one, in English.

 

Editor:Chen Minji