Elgin Sadakatsu, a Mongolian ethnic herdsman, manages Mongolian-style yurts alongside well-equipped services, namely “Happy Ranch”, at Subuerga town, Ejin Horo Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. His yurts attract hundreds of tourists from across the country.

The traditional Mongolian yurts at Elgin’s “Happy Ranch”. [Photo by Deng Hua/Xinhua]

Due to the stresses put on his family, Elgin quit his job as a taxi driver and started his own business in 2014. Elgin was eligible for a government loan, which has been granted as part of a program of poverty reduction. With around 100,000 yuan ($15,080) in loans from the local government, he established the Happy Ranch, occupying over 1,333 square meters, with seven small Mongolian yurts.

The following year, he received another 50,000 yuan ($7,540) in funds from the local government for an extension to his ranch, enabling him to build a row of standard rooms for tourists.

Elgin’s ranch caters for nation-wide tourists with warm-hearted hospitality, special Mongolian dishes as well as value for money.

Elgin feels the Happy Ranch is like his own child, and he has watched it growing into a strong herdsman.

A young girl rides on a horse led by Elgin Sadakatsu, the ranch owner, on Aug 20. [Photo by Deng Hua/Xinhua]