A local government official from Gouqi Island visits stranded tourists. [Photo/zhoushan.cn]

Seventy-four homestays on Gouqi Isand have taken in a total of 762 tourists stranded due to Typhoon Chanthu as of Sept 13, local media reported.

"I believe this will become an unforgettable trip for us," said a woman surnamed Ji who checked in at a homestay on Gouqi Island last weekend.

Ji said that the typhoon interfered with their travel arrangements as they had planned to stay only one night on the island. However, the homestay operator promised to give them a half-price discount ad local government officials also visited them with local specialties.

"We are really touched by their heart-warming treatment," added Ji.

Zheng Zhong, operator of another homestay on Gouqi Island called Zhongyi Hotel, said that he offered 10 guestrooms at half price rates to 19 tourists from Ningbo and Shanghai, noting that this price is only enough to cover the operational cost.

"Although homestay operators do not any profit at all, there are still many homestay operators willing to offer guestrooms at discounted prices to stranded tourists," noted Zheng, who is also chairman of the Gouqi Tourist Association.

Zheng also said that in addition to regular housekeeping service, these homestays are also providing their lodgers with information about the typhoon, flights, and ships, as well as facilities to ensure telecommuting.

A person in charge of Gouqi Island said that during each year's typhoon season, the local government will encourage homestay operators to offer low-priced guestrooms to stranded tourists.