A bird's-eye view of Pingyuanchi village. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

Pingyuanchi village in Rugao, a county-level city of Nantong, has become a popular rural getaway with its 230‑mu (15.33-hectare) lotus garden featuring over 150 varieties of the prized aquatic plant.

Recognized as a national‑level rural tourism destination, the village combines natural scenery, recreational activities, and local food culture, making it an easy escape from Nantong's urban center.

Wooden boardwalks and pavilions offer tranquil views, while a small train and boat rides let visitors explore the ponds up close. After dark, the illuminated lotus fields create a serene atmosphere for evening strolls.

Beyond the lotus ponds, the village boasts rice paddies, flower fields, orchards, and a rose garden, alongside pick‑your‑own fruit farms currently offering peaches, grapes, and tomatoes.

A coffee shop nestled among the rice fields has become a local favorite. Family attractions include a petting zoo with more than 300 animals, a water park, go‑kart tracks, and horse riding.

A farming and folk museum introduces the region's agricultural heritage and its connection to local longevity. Hands‑on workshops and farm‑stay experiences cater to younger visitors, and a nearby light‑aircraft base offers aerial tours.

The village has built a tourism economy around its lotus industry, selling products like lotus leaf tea and selenium‑enriched lotus root snacks. Several farm restaurants serve regional water town cuisine.