DeepSeek founder and CEO Liang Wenfeng‘s AI success has transformed his Chinese village, Mililing, into a popular tourist destination. Located in southern China, Mililing, once an underdeveloped hamlet, is now experiencing a tourism boom directly linked to the fame of its native son and his AI company, DeepSeek.
Local authorities have reportedly responded to this visitor surge by initiating a “facelift” for the village. Before this transformation, Mililing was a quiet village of nearly 700 residents, with younger generations primarily employed in shoe manufacturing and the elderly engaged in agriculture. The village committee’s director, Liang Wenfen, confirmed the tourism surge and the subsequent development efforts to a South China Morning Post report.
How DeepSeek founders village is turning into a tourist spot
As Liang’s achievements gained global recognition, Mililing began attracting visitors driven by admiration and curiosity. According to the committee director, groups of travelers—including families with children and employees in company uniforms—have been visiting the village since January.
During the Spring Festival holiday (January 29 to February 10), the village welcomed around 10,000 tourists daily, he added.
In response to the sudden influx of visitors and complaints about inadequate infrastructure, local authorities launched a renovation effort. As reported by SCMP, 29 houses had their exterior walls repaired and repainted, while dilapidated structures were demolished.
Roads were widened, sewage drains were installed, and streets were cleaned and cleared of weeds. Additionally, trees were planted to enhance the village’s appearance.
Some tourists have even taken “souvenirs” from the area. “Some visitors took away piles of soil, stones, or pieces of leaves,” a resident identified only by his surname, Yuan, told the publication.
However, the recent developments have placed the DeepSeek founder’s grandfather in a difficult position. As the sole occupant of their four-story house in the village, the elderly man keeps his front door shut for most of the day, fearing harassment from the tourists.
Liang completed his primary education in this village before enrolling at Wuchuan No 1 Middle School, a key educational institution in the region.
In 2002, he secured a high score in the country’s university entrance exam, the gaokao, earning him a place at the Zhejiang University.