August in Zhongshan brings scorching summer heat, yet it does little to deter visitors from heading to the countryside. During the summer holiday, travelers have been driving to Yakou Village in Nanlang Subdistrict.

"Here in Yakou, we can cycle along the fields, soak up the rural vibe, and when you get tired, sit by the rice paddies with a coffee or juice. It is the kind of life city people long for," said a visitor from Hong Kong.

The village now boasts over 140 cafes and 13 homestays, transforming what was once a quiet backwater into a thriving rural getaway.

▲A visitor enjoys handmade coffee at a coffee shop in Yakou. Photo provided to Zhongshan Plus

The late-season rice seedlings spread lush and green across the paddies, while the air is filled with the mingled scent of soil and fresh coffee.

According to official figures, Yakou received 5.84 million visitors in 2024 and 6.37 million in 2025. It has also attracted 176 young returnees — including pastry chefs, Macao interior designers, and university graduates — to start businesses.