On the morning of October 7, Shazhou Village saw an increasing number of tourists. “The story of Half A Quilt leaves a deep impression on me, so I come here to visit the exhibition hall,” said Zhou Guifang, a tourist from Shangrao, Jiangxi province. This was the first time for her to know about the story in detail. 

 

In November 1934, the spearhead of the Central Red Army stationed in Shazhou Village. Many villagers were afraid of being hurt by the Red Army which was smeared by the  Kuomintang government and all escaped to the mountains. Xu Jiexiu who had difficulties in walking stayed in the village with her one-year-old son. She offered a shelter for three female Red Army soldiers and they slept on her only bed. Seeing there was no quilt for Xu to protect against the cold in the winter, upon their departure, they cut their only quilt in two, leaving half to Xu Jiexiu. 

 

After visiting the hall, Zhou Guifang said, “a deep emotional bond between the army and people really moves me so much.”

 

The newly-built tourist service center of Shazhou Village has been put into use. Tourists can make their own travel routes to learn about the folk custom and taste specialties. At the same time, the scenic spot strictly implements the epidemic prevention requirements such as limiting the number of visitors, making reservation and checking health codes to ensure a safe travel for visitors.

 

During the festival, Shazhou Village held a series of red tourism theme activities. “The scenic spot makes full use of the red stories and has folk ancient magic shows, the "Half a Quilt" sitcom and some interesting experience activities like Revisit the Long March, Catch Spies, Make Straw Sandals and Tank Patrol. In addition, in order to further enrich the holiday life of local residents and tourists, Rucheng County also held a series of activities such as Square Dance and Send Books to children in the Countryside,” said Wang Nanyu, deputy operation manager of Rucheng Zhonghui Tourism Development Co., Ltd. 

 

The village has a beautiful view and colorful activities, ideal for children to travel on holidays, said many tourists.

 

The red tourism has increased the popularity of the village and the villagers’ income. “We have earned a considerable income today, with net turnover reaching more than 5,000 yuan. We are busy treating so many guests, so we ask our relatives to help,” said He Suqin, a shop owner who makes milk tea and snacks while her husband cooks. The couple used to be a stall owner now is a shopkeeper and sees booming business.

 

According to statistics, during the National Day, Shazhou red tourist attractions received 59,800 tourists, up 30.63% year on year, with the total tourism revenue reaching about 22.5306 million yuan, up 35.67% year on year. On October 3 alone, it received 15,000 visitors.