Seventeen villages in Dongtou district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province have taken on a new look thanks to a campaign of renovating local ancient villages, attracting an upsurge in tourists.

Since 2017, when Dongtou initiated the campaign, a total of 17 villages, including Xiaojing village, Shanping village and Huagang village, have been reconstructed, aiming to give a boost to local tourism and promote traditional Zhejiang culture.

Huagang village, which has 100 stone houses constructed by its early inhabitants, is one of the best preserved ancient villages in Dongtou.

"The dense cluster of houses reflects the harmonious relationship between neighbors," said one of the renovation designers.

In 2016, a Wenzhou company signed an agreement with Huagang village, to introduce homestay businesses and other supporting facilities whilst retaining the original cultural features of the village.

In addition, the local infrastructure was significantly improved, which included constructing a new bridge and upgrading the rural power grid.

It is hoped that the development of the rural villages can give much impetus to the development of the rural economy, as well as boosting tourist numbers.

A view of the renovated ancient villages in Dongtou district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province [Photo/dtxw.cn]

A view of a homestay in Dongtou district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province [Photo/dtxw.cn]