Guazhou No 2 Middle School provides free accommodations for travelers stranded in Guazhou county, Gansu, last month.  [Photo for China Daily]

Respect gained

As the snowstorm subsided, the travelers began to leave Guazhou at noon on Feb 18.

The warmth and generosity they experienced in the small county won the respect and admiration of many, drawing attention to the area.

Numerous netizens expressed their appreciation, with some stating, "From now on, we have an extended family in Guazhou."

After bidding farewell to the travelers, the Guazhou county authorities sent a letter of apology to them on their WeChat account.

The letter stated: "Due to the unexpected wind and snow, Guazhou hosted 25,000 stranded individuals. If you encountered any inconvenience during your stay, we apologize and ask for your understanding. We invite you to return to Guazhou when spring arrives."

The letter also listed the county's attractions.

Guazhou is home to the Yulin Grottoes, a key national cultural heritage site often referred to as the "sister" of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Gansu.