An aerial view of the Shuihui Garden in Rugao [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Rugao, a county-level city in Nantong was listed as one of the 17 provincial-level demonstration areas for "all-for-one tourism" in East China's Jiangsu province on June 29. The city was the only one in Nantong that made the list.

In recent years, the local government has been promoting reform and innovation in the tourism industry by giving full play to local characteristics, restoring natural environment and accelerating industrial integration. 

Preferential policies and subsidies have been provided to the tourism industry, with annual fiscal input surpassing 140 million yuan ($20.29 million) for two years in a row.

Tourism infrastructure, including transportation network, public toilets, parking lots and tourist service centers have also been significantly improved.

The government has also combined tourism with culture, gardening, sports and education, leveraging the citys favorable natural environment and culture to build homestay hotels, food streets and more.

Regular trainings for workers involved in the tourism industry have been organized to improve services for tourists, while a complete law-enforcement institution has been established to crack down on any illegal business activities.

To promote the city's tourism resources, Rugao has relied on social networking sites such as Weibo, WeChat and Douyin to enhance its reputation. An array of press tours and promotional activities have also been held.