Rural tourism in Ningbo gains traction

Category: Ningbo District
Published: Monday, 26 April 2021 16:27

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Villagers make snacks in Chengyang village, Ningbo's Yinzhou district on April 22. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province kicked off a campaign on April 22 to boost rural tourism development. The annual campaign in the city will see 27 towns launch characteristic tourism activities to attract visitors. 

From April to June 2020, nearly four million tourists travelled to the city's rural areas, generating 434 million yuan ($66.77 million) in revenue. A total of 17 recommended rural travel routes were unveiled during the launch ceremony in Chengyang village, Ningbo's Yinzhou district on April 22.

Perching on the banks of Dongqian Lake, Chengyang village has now emerged as a popular rural destination thanks to an art design campaign initiated last July by Cong Zhiqiang, an associate art professor at Renmin University of China in Beijing.

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Cong Zhiqiang, an associate art professor at Renmin University of China in Beijing, delivers a speech at the launch ceremony in Chengyang village, Ningbo's Yinzhou district on April 22. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

In the campaign, local villagers are encouraged to renovate their surroundings using art. Chengyang village exemplifies local authorities' efforts in promoting the role of art in rural revitalization.

Rural tourism in Ningbo has gained traction quickly in recent years. To date, the city is home to 928 scenic villages including 205 3A level ones. There are currently 1,709 homestays offering 31,662 beds in the city.