Editor's note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

Nestled in the low mountains of Tianjin's Jizhou district, Xijingyu is defined by its stone. Built almost entirely from local limestone by generations of miners, the centuries-old village's winding slate alleys and courtyard walls draw more than 600,000 visitors a year seeking a quiet retreat from nearby urban Beijing and Tianjin.

Xijingyu's sudden transformation from a sparse mining settlement into a boutique travel hot spot nearly collapsed under the weight of its own success.