Taizhou develops unique villages to vitalize rural charm

A village in Taizhou, Jiangsu. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

In early winter, Tangzhuang village in Chenbao town, Xinghua, has transformed into a picturesque rural retreat. Once a traditional settlement, the village now features walking paths along flood control embankments, ancient-style shop signs, and green landscapes that merge seamlessly with rice paddies and meandering waterways.

Tangzhuang is one of 60 provincial-level special villages in Taizhou, Jiangsu. These villages have become a cornerstone of the city's rural vitalization strategy, driven by innovation, resource-specific planning, and sustainable development. Through strategies tailored to each village's strengths, Taizhou has diversified its rural industries, blending agriculture, tourism, and local culture.

Several villages have embraced organic agriculture, special farming practices, and cultural tourism, while other regions have focused on creating community spaces, leisure facilities, and local culinary experiences. Projects like creating lakes, improving agricultural models, and fostering eco-friendly infrastructure have brought tangible economic and cultural benefits. 

The development of these rural areas involves more than just building infrastructure. Cultural preservation has been a focus, with efforts to protect traditional homes, folk traditions, and ancient stories.

In the last seven years, Taizhou's countryside has seen dramatic improvements in living conditions, rural incomes, and local industries. With agricultural income growth averaging 90 percent and per capita annual incomes climbing by 60 percent, the city has made significant strides toward sustainable rural living.

A rural area in Taizhou, Jiangsu. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Collaborations with universities and strategic projects have expanded this growth, bringing community development and investment opportunities into the spotlight. Through cultural celebrations, tourism campaigns, and cross-community learning, Taizhou has turned its countryside into a vibrant, evolving space of culture, innovation, and economic opportunity.

A village in Taizhou, Jiangsu. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]