Pingyuanchi village in Rugao, a county-level city in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, was included in the 2019 list of the most beautiful villages for recreation in China, which was released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Nov 13.

The village is located in northern Rugao and is famous for its long history of growing lotus. It has taken advantage of its lotus ponds to develop its culture, tourism, and education industries. 

A variety of gardens allow visitors to pick fruits and vegetables and admire chrysanthemum and peony blossoms. Local residents also grow mushrooms and breed crabs, bringing diversity to the local economy.

A wooden bridge stretches across a giant lotus pond in Pingyuanchi village, Rugao on Aug 11. [Photo/VCG]

Tourists ride a boat through a lotus pond in Pingyuanchi village, Rugao on July 11. [Photo/VCG]