Nearly 300 families in the Guzhuang community in Rugao make a living by growing bonsai trees. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

The Guzhuang community in Rugao, Nantong was recently included in a list of key villages for rural tourism development by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Jiangsu Development and Reform Commission, local media reported.

A total of 31 villages across the province made the list. Three of these villages are from Nantong – Guzhuang, Shuangmeng village in Tongzhou district and Lianxinggang village in Qidong city.

Officials said that the villages will be entitled to preferential policies for developing tourism projects, building brands, market promotions and financing.

Located in the southern suburban area of Rugao, the Guzhuang community is famous for its bonsai industry. Nearly 300 families in the community make a living by growing bonsai trees.

In 2019, the community attracted nearly 2 million visitors and earned a tourism revenue amounting to 250 million yuan ($36.23 million).