Dingyan town in Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu province. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Dingyan town in Rugao, Nantong is intensifying its efforts in river management by increasing investment and implementing remediation projects, highlighting the crucial role of rural waterways in flood prevention, irrigation, and water source security.

To encourage community involvement in river management, a point-based system has been introduced and has proved to be an effective incentive. Gao Jinyuan, the river chief of Chaoyang village in Dingyan, explained, "Participating in one session of riverbank weeding earns 10 points, while keeping the river section in front of one's home clean also earns 10 points. Residents can exchange these points for daily necessities like laundry detergent and cooking oil."

Dingyan has also integrated river management into the development of its tourism industry. Together with its peach orchards, strawberry fields, watermelon patches, and vineyards, the town provides a diverse range of recreational activities, including fishing, fruit picking, and barbecues.