Renowned as much for its scenic beauty as its unique attractions, Lijiang, China, has recently seen the rise of an unusual star—a Husky named Hakimi. This four-legged canine has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike by taking on the charming role of hotel porter, assisting guests with their luggage at the homestay owned by Xu.
Hakimi’s story began when Xu adopted the energetic dog shortly after opening his homestay, which boasts nine cozy rooms. Last April, during one of their outdoor play sessions, Xu had the innovative idea to see if Hakimi could help transport luggage by pulling a trolley. Much to his astonishment, the Husky took to the task swiftly and effectively. "When Hakimi came to our home, it was very energetic. Last April, when I took it out to play, I had the idea of having it try pulling a trolley. To my surprise, it learnt right away," Xu shared with Cover News.
This smart pup soon became a centerpiece for Xu’s business as word spread about the adorable porter. The homestay has attracted thousands of tourists, with reports indicating it generated as much as 200,000 yuan (approximately $27,000) over just three days—a remarkable feat for any hospitality establishment, but especially for one leveraging the appeal of its canine staff.
Each time guests arrive, they often request Hakimi’s assistance to transport their luggage on short routes of about 200 meters from the South Gate of Lijiang Old Town to the homestay. “We only take it out when guests ask for it, and it usually does this about three to six times a day,” Xu noted, emphasizing the careful management of Hakimi's workload.
News of Hakimi’s exploits quickly swept social media platforms, thanks to Xu’s initial intention of sharing some playful videos just for fun. “Each video gets between one and 10 million views. Hakimi has become a ‘little fortune bringer’ for the homestay,” Xu added, buzzing with pride about his diligent pooch. The videos showcased not only Hakimi’s adorable demeanor but also its surprising intelligence; followers were captivated by clips of the Husky turning corners precisely and even checking on the luggage along the way.
The charm of Hakimi has drawn favorable comparisons on social media, with enthusiastic admirers praising its skills. One internet user commented, “The Husky’s ancestors must have been something special to produce such a talented dog!” Another user was equally impressed, noting, “When it turns a corner, it even looks back at the luggage, using inertia to position itself. It is so smart!” Such comments reflect the fondness and admiration players on the internet have for Hakimi.
The success of Hakimi not only emphasizes the creative ways businesses adapt to attract customers but also highlights the niche roles animals can play within the tourism industry. By creating memorable experiences through such unique partnerships, the homestay has tapped directly onto the hearts of its visitors.
With roughly 80 percent of the homestay's patrons now arriving explicitly for Hakimi's services, it's clear the dog has become integral to the establishment's identity. Tourists not only receive the benefit of practical luggage transport but also enjoy the experience of meeting this remarkable canine.
Hakimi’s daily responsibilities may seem simplistic, but they contribute significantly to the atmosphere of familiarity and connection visitors find at the homestay. Each encounter brings smiles and delight, enriching the overall experience for all involved. From eager new guests to repeating visitors, there’s just something special about seeing this Husky lend its assistance.
Indeed, every successful business requires both hard work and creativity, and Hakimi exemplifies precisely how adding personality can breathe new life—and potentially significant revenue—into traditional services. Who could have imagined this spirited Husky would evolve from guest to star player, bringing charm and joy to the scenic Lijiang?