Chongqing- Pengshui was officially taken off the list of impoverished counties in February 2020 and posted impressive economic results in the first half of this year, ranking second in terms of regional GDP growth. Cultural tourism has played a significant role in this achievement, as over 13 million tourists visited the county during the same period, producing an income of over six billion Yuan.

Chiyou refers to the recognized common ancestor of nine ancient Jiuli Tribes in the region. Now,w the modern-day attraction of Chiyou Jiulicheng is a 110 sq/km Miao Minority stockade town rated as a national 4A tourist sight.

Recently, Tencent entered into a partnership with Pengshui County to open the Happy Teahouse inside the attraction, where visitors can now also learn about poverty alleviation through documentaries, performances, as well as the opportunity to buy local rural produce and culturally innovative souvenirs.

The Happy Teahouse is a representation of Miao architecture and decorative style. Inside, some features include stilted wooden structures, elegantly designed eaves, and attractive window lattices that feast the eyes.

Memorable products on display include accessories made with traditional dyed cloth, wicker ornaments, and even Tencent QQ penguins styled as Miao warriors.

The Happy Teahouse in Chiyou Jiulicheng serves as an innovative display of poverty alleviation in Pengshui County.

In the open-air central courtyard before the stage, visitors are welcome to enjoy a short film that documents local poverty alleviation by cultivating the pyracantha fortuneana red berries, which has formed the basis of a successful registered drinks brand.

Guests can also enjoy performances of Miao's intangible culture over local tea traditionally poured into shallow earthen bowls.

Pengshui has created the Miao Happy Teahouse with Tencent as part of a new innovative strategy for poverty alleviation. It is hoped this creative approach will prove a success that can be replicated elsewhere.