Hezuo town in Qidong has a clear rural tourism layout and is conveniently located. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Hezuo town, a once-prosperous farming-dependent town in Qidong, a county-level city administered by Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province, has found a new path to success. It is now making strong efforts to develop agricultural tourism and trying to increase its appeal by integrating ecology, rural scenery, and history.

Hezuo used to be a traditional agricultural town located in the hinterland of Qidong, with no convenient transportation access to river or sea. In the 21st century, its need for better transportation infrastructure became obvious, which has hampered its industrial economy.

Under this context, the local authorities decided to improve transportation infrastructure. Since 2004, Hezuo has built 301 kilometers of rural roads, upgraded more than 30 kilometers of roads, and reinforced 45 old bridges.

A "four vertical, four horizontal" road system has been formed that makes tourism development possible. A 1.5-square-kilometer tourism area was planned within the transport network, containing attractions revolving around either revolutionary 'red' culture or ecological health.

Hezuo town also plans to develop characteristic agricultural tourism projects while promoting scientific and technological agriculture and three-industry integration.

A big leisure resort has taken shape in the town on the east bank of the Hongyang River. The 1-billion-yuan ($154.9 million) project includes 53 boutique homestays that are expected to open in June next year. Hezuo is confident that it will become another tourism hotspot.