In recent years, Zhenjiang has continuously explored and solved various challenges in promoting rural revitalization, focusing on the diverse needs of the people at different stages. The transformation of the countryside from “one beautiful place” to “beauty everywhere” has been achieved. The picturesque villages have evolved from “planning maps” to “construction plans” and are now becoming tangible “real-life pictures,” painting a splendid scene of the beautiful Zhenjiang.

Specialized industries illuminate the light of rural revitalization

The local resources give birth to local products. Making full use of and specializing in “local specialties” is an important aspect of high-quality rural industrial development. The strawberry greenhouses in Sijichun Agricultural Park have expanded to 12 acres and have developed an industrial pattern of cultivating multiple varieties. The strawberries produced here have won numerous national awards.

Based on this, Shiyue Town has built a 200-acre seasonal fresh fruit cultivation base, creating a modern agricultural park that integrates planting, picking, and sightseeing. The development path of “modern and efficient sightseeing agriculture + ecological tourism” is becoming more and more solid.

Dingzhuang Village in Maoshan Town, renowned as the “Hometown of Chinese Grapes,” started with a 2-acre planting of Kyoho grapes 33 years ago. Now, the planting area has expanded to 20,000 acres. “Dingzhuang grapes” not only enjoy a national reputation but are also exported overseas. Every year, over 300,000 tourists from the Yangtze River Delta and surrounding areas come to taste grapes and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Ecological livability enhances the foundation of rural revitalization

To promote rural revitalization, the environment serves as the “foundation.” It is not only about thriving industries but also about creating pleasant living environments and beautiful landscapes. On November 14th, Ma Minglong, the Secretary of the Zhenjiang Municipal Party Committee, mentioned in his article titled “Contributing Zhenjiang’s Strength as a Demonstration for the Province” that practical efforts are being made to improve the rural living environment, build livable and beautiful countryside, and present a new look from both inside and outside.

The improvement of the rural living environment is not only a battle to be won but also a long-term endeavor. At the end of September, Zhenjiang issued the “Opinions on Promoting the Long-Term and Sustainable Improvement of Village Environment through the ‘Three Collaborations, Four Remedies, and Five Beautifications’ Approach,” mobilizing the entire city to fight this “tough and enduring battle.” Now, Zhenjiang presents a picturesque countryside with “clear water, unobstructed rivers, green banks, and beautiful landscapes,” receiving more and more praise from people as if it were a painting.

Balancing the “form” and “soul” to stimulate new vitality for rural revitalization

“Seeing mountains, spotting water, and remembering the nostalgia” is the shared vision of a better life and the goal of rural revitalization. Only by effectively preserving traditional villages can we retain the local flavor and evoke nostalgic feelings. So far, Zhenjiang has been recognized with 10 national-level traditional villages and 37 provincial-level traditional villages, taking the lead in implementing the “registration-based protection” of traditional villages in the province.

Zhenjiang has explored different styles and characteristics of rural development, such as scenic landscapes, ecological countryside, historical village preservation, and industry-driven development. It has created 32 provincial-level characteristic countryside villages and 30 municipal-level characteristic countryside villages.

With the enhancement of ecological beauty, the enrichment of rural charm, and the prosperity of industries, Zhenjiang is forging a modern and prosperous future for its picturesque, harmonious, and thriving countryside with even greater determination, efforts, and measures.