Tapping into its green potential

A water town, a historical street, a caravan resort and a traditional Chinese medicine experience are among what Zhejiang's Chun'an county can offer, in addition to the tourism hot spot Qiandao Lake. [Photo by Yang Feiyue/China Daily]

Meanwhile, driving through the county, we find well-paved roads lined with colorful plants as the local government has spent 1.6 billion yuan to develop green belts across Chun'an. Those belts extend to all villages in the region, with tea and fruit parks all over.

All those belts run 350 kilometers through the county making it easier for cycling, hiking and public transportation. "They are lined with green plants," says Jiang.

Improved infrastructure has also helped boost the development of the surrounding villages that used to be cut off earlier.

Feng Bo, who gave up his chemical business in Hangzhou's Xiaoshan district, and moved to Taoyuanlingjia village to start a fruit plantation three years ago, says: "It used to take a whole day for us to travel to downtown Chun'an earlier. But now the distance is shortened to just 40-minute drive."

Feng's plantation is home to 50 fruits, including peach and kiwi.

"Visitors can pick seasonal fruits throughout the year," he says.

More than 10,000 visitors have been to his facility so far this year and the income from fruit picking has crossed one million yuan.

Feng also offers dining and barbecue facilities, and wooden villas are available for those who want to spend the night. Feng is now planning to build an open-air exercise facility.