China’s ‘richest village’ takes tourism to the skies

by CNNGo staff

A bird's-eye view of China's wealthiest village and its landmark, Longxi International Hotel.

Dubbed the “No. 1 Village Under The Sky,” Huaxi (华西村) -- which is actually a tad larger and wealthier than most other residential ares in southern Jiangsu Province -- recently started up its own air service: Huaxi General Aviation (HGA).

This is China’s first village-owned aviation business, backed by an initial investment of RMB 100 million. Huaxi -- which is spread over 35 square kilometers -- obtained approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China early this week.

China’s latest aviation company is equipped with two helicopters: a six-seat AS350B3 and an eight-seat MD902.

Jiangsu Huaxi Group, the parent company that runs the community and all its affiliated business, shelled out a total of RMB 90 million to purchase the two choppers in 2010 from McDonnell Douglas and Eurocopter.