Zhoushan sees progress in upgrading urban, rural landscapes

A sea of sunflowers in Putuo district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsqdxq]

More than 100 mu (6.67 hectares) of sunflowers are now in full bloom in Putuo district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, attracting flocks of tourists.

The sunflower plantation, which was a piece of abandoned land, offers a glimpse into Zhoushan's efforts to improve the living environment in its urban and rural areas to welcome the upcoming 19th Asian Games.

A staff member from Zhujiajian subdistrict said that the plantation has been expanded to 550 mu, filled with landscape plants such as sunflowers, verbenas, zinnias, and wheat, and authorities will now develop the plantation into an ecological landmark.

This progress was largely due to the implementation of a raft of measures rolled out by authorities, including improving environment on both sides of roads and the living environments in fishing villages, renovating bike sheds and garages of communities, and dismantling illegal buildings.

Authorities have also invested more than 80 million yuan ($11.07 million) in upgrading four pocket parks, six streets and 28 public toilets.

In addition, authorities will focus on project construction, law enforcement and urban management in the future.