As home to a significant number of centenarians, Bama Yao autonomous county in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has attracted many visitors as well as property developers. The remote, mountainous county, despite some elements' attempt to capitalize on its new-found fame, shows how a simple but active lifestyle and a healthy environment make all the difference in longevity, says an article on gmw.cn. Excerpts:

More than 30 of every 100,000 people in Bama are centenarians, which is a fairly high ratio. Fascinated by the secrets of longevity in Bama, thousands of people, including terminally ill patients, have flocked to the remote county in recent years to collect local spring water and breathe the fresh air at the entrance to limestone caves. Some people crawl up the mountain slopes, believing the exercise to be the best way of absorbing energy from the soil.

Besides, apartments marketed as conducive to preserving health have sprung up across the county, with rents ranging from 500 yuan ($82) to 2,000 yuan a month. Even the operating rights of a local limestone cave have been contracted out, and visitors have to pay 70 yuan for a single visit, and a monthly pass costs 300 yuan.

But despite this uncalled-for intrusion, local people continue to live a frugal and humble life. Of course, clean water, fresh air and a healthy diet are the secret of their longevity. People in Bama live longer also because they follow an easy, simple and tranquil lifestyle.

Outsiders come to the bucolic refuge to find a way out of their anxiety, and search for peace and health in a short time. But the very manner in which they try to attain this - success in a short time - contradicts the original purpose.

(China Daily 08/14/2013 page9)