Strong efforts are devoted to rural revitalization in Tongzhou district, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: wxtzfb]

The publicity department of the Tongzhou district Party committee announced the latest rural revitalization progress on Aug 31.

Among the 248 projects worth 284 million yuan ($43.97 million) from 23 model villages, 207 have started construction.

Heyuan Bonsai Garden, located in the district's Xuyuan village, covers an area of over 70 mu (4.67 hectares). More than 10,000 rare and valuable bonsai trees, including yaccatrees (podocarpus macrophyllus) and Osaka pines (pinus parviflora aurea), are planted there.

The bonsai garden will help Xuyuan village build itself into a model village for rural revitalization. Its scale development has not only brought jobs for surrounding villagers, but also improved the environment of the village.

In addition to the bonsai garden, other spots in the village are currently being developed, including a planting area for robinia pseudoacacia, a breeding base of koi fish, and homestays.

Rural revitalization relies greatly on policy support. Recently, the Party committee and government of Tongzhou district rolled out policies and incentives on the promotion of rural revitalization and accelerating modern construction in rural areas.

The budget for the awarding and compensation of agricultural and rural projects involving land transfer, construction of new-type cooperative farms, and high-efficient agricultural facilities was 288 million yuan ($44.6 million) in 2021.