The highway leading to the tunnel is partially covered to protect against rock and snow slides. HUANG JINGUO/FOR CHINA DAILY

Besides taking tourists to see the tree, Tondring said he also enjoys sharing with them lessons in the biodiversity of the forest. "The knowledge I gained from being a hunter now can help me better protect the wildlife," he said.

He said an increasing number of tourists now choose to stay at the homestays in the 28-household village, so they can enjoy the unique and stunning scenery of tea farms against the backdrop of Mount Namcha Barwa.

"Without roads in good condition and access to 5G networks, we wouldn't be able to attract so many tourists," Tondring said.

With the extra income from being a guide, he made a trip to Beijing two years ago and visited Tian'anmen Square — his dream tourist destination. "I would never plan the trip if the highway didn't open. I think it has made many impossible things possible."

cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn