The lotus pond in Pingyuanchi village in Rugao. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

Editor's note: Eight themed travel routes in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, were unveiled during the Nantong "Hao Tong You" cultural and tourism consumption promotion season on May 19 to mark the 12th China Tourism Day.

Against the backdrop of the rural revitalization strategy, Nantong has been sparing no effort to promote the high-quality development of rural tourism, allowing more residents and tourists to enjoy themselves at the city's scenic rural areas.

Route for rural parks

Day one: Wonderful Farm – Zhouji Green Expo Garden

Day two: Haimen Yisheng village – Jiangtian Ecological Park

Route for rural revitalization

Day one: Bonsai Art Expo Park – Rugao Pingyuanchi village

Day two: Zhongyang Globefish Park – ancient Bencha town

Route for health maintenance

Day one: Yisheng Cultural Park – Linkspring Fun World

Day two: Hai'an Lebainian Health Town – Hai'an Qixing Lake Ecological Park

Further reading:

The Zhouji Green Expo Garden is a science popularization base and the first national 4A-level scenic spot in Tongzhou district, Nantong. The garden boasts thousands of exotic flowers and plants from all over the world, attracting hordes of enthusiasts every season.

Pingyuanchi village was included on the 2019 list of the most beautiful villages in China for recreational activities. The village boasts a variety of tourist attractions, including lotus ponds, chrysanthemum flowers, mushrooms, aquaculture, and fruit picking areas, with the lotus pond being the most famous.

Islands and lakes are scattered throughout the vegetation-covered Lebainian Health Town, which also offers various options for recreation, including fishing, trekking, mini golf, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding.