A bird's-eye view of Qinli village in Taicang, Jiangsu province [Photo/TCinvest]
Taicang in East China's Jiangsu province is developing its countryside economy in an environmentally-friendly way, local media reported on Aug 7.
Qinli village is located in the west of Shuangfeng town, Taicang. The village used to be a waterlogged lowland and one of the poorest in Shuangfeng.
Instead of simply introducing investments and building factories, the village has integrated its tourism and agriculture industries by upgrading facilities, developing home stays and boosting sales of its agriculture products.
Waterfowl land on lotus ponds. [Photo/TCinvest]
Today, the beautiful natural environment has brought economic benefits.
The air and water quality here are the best in Taicang. Areas used to grow lotus and arrowheads measure more than 200 mu (13.33 hectares). In addition, there are vast green fields, fishing centers and leisure resorts that add to the scenery.
Qinli village in the night. [Photo/TCinvest]
Sewage treatment, development planning and housing renovations have resulted in the area sporting a charming countryside look.
"In the past, we walk on gravel roads and dirt roads, but now they have become asphalt roads and cement roads. I'd rather live in the country than in the city because of the beautiful scenery and convenient transportation," said Zhu Yongxing, a 71-year-old villager.
Other villagers said that the village is now better lit following the installation of more streetlights. Amenities such as fitness facilities and pharmacies have also been built in close range to their homes. They feel that their life here is as convenient as in the city.
