As a provincial characteristic countryside pilot village in Jiangsu, Dongping village in Tongzhou district, Nantong is committed to creating a better life for its residents. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Dongping village, located in Tongzhou district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, used to be just another nameless village with quaint customs.

In 2019, it was designated a provincial characteristic countryside pilot village in Jiangsu province. It is now fully exploring its distinct culture and forging a unique path to develop industries.

In the past two years, the village has invested nearly 80 million yuan ($12.4 million) into environmental improvement and renovating residences with the support of superior governments.

It has also built a slew of public works projects such as a comprehensive cultural service center, an asparagus plantation, and a strawberry sorting center.

Asparagus farming is a unique industry in Dongping village. With technological support from the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, the village built a 3,565-square-meter greenhouse engaged in the research and development of asparagus seeds last November.

"I have been growing asparagus for nearly 10 years," said Jiang Zhaohui, who runs the plantation. "Asparagus has major economic benefits. The purple asparagus will be priced at 80-100 yuan per kilogram and can be harvested from January to May next year."