From Outsiders to Innkeepers in China’s Sleepy Countryside

The Lindens hotel is far from an authentic representation of China, said Ian Rowen, a geography doctoral candidate at the University of Colorado. However, he said the Lindens have created a novel and tasteful way to introduce international tourists to Chinese and some ethnic-minority traditions. “It’s a good example of the way that heritage tourism can proceed,” said Mr. Rowen, who has worked in China’s tourism industry and conducted academic research at the Lindens’ hotel.