Viewing platform above 613-meter-deep sinkhole proves popular with tourists

The project opened to the public in January and the company said that during the Labor Day holiday in May nearly 10 times as many tourists visited the area than during the same holiday last year.

About 200 people from poor families living nearby have found jobs at the scenic spot and the company has also provided 50 free stalls to poor families where they can sell agricultural products.

Huang Xinghua, a nearby resident who works at a cafe at the scenic spot, said, "My salary here is about 2,500 yuan ($369) a month, and I can work near my home."

When she was younger, Huang left her hometown to work in cities to make a living. After the scenic area was upgraded last year and began attracting more tourists, she returned home and got a job at the cafe.