Anji continues to advance sustainable rural development

A beautiful village in Anji county. [Photo/VCG]

Anji county in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, has been included in the first group of pilot areas for the construction of Beautiful Villages by China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, a recognition of its efforts to advance sustainable rural development.

Anji has made great efforts to construct Beautiful Villages suitable for living and working, promoting green development while seeking to create replicable and scalable standardized results from its experiences.

In Xinan village, Xiaofeng town, a 2.8-kilometer stretch of the Nanxi River has been revitalized, showcasing clear waters and green banks. Micro-topography modifications have created diverse micro wetlands, enhancing biodiversity while offering a recreational area with natural beauty for residents and visitors.

Through efforts in ecological restoration, Xinan village has transformed into a popular rural tourism destination.

Since 2015, Anji's "Guidelines for the Construction of Beautiful Villages" have become a national standard. In 2016, all villages in Anji met the standards required to be classified as a Beautiful Village. The county now boasts 187 demonstration Beautiful Villages.

Environmental improvements have fueled industrial growth. At Zhejiang Tiancao Biotechnology, ultra-low emission boiler modifications have reduced pollutants by over 50 percent, achieving environmental and economic benefits.

Anji's innovative approaches have promoted the recycling and eco-friendly disposal of agricultural waste. The country also established the first bamboo carbon trading center and pioneered the "Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic" initiative.

From January to November in 2025, Anji received over 33 million visits and generated 46.33 billion yuan ($6.63 billion) in tourism revenue, highlighting its ecological appeal.