To promote recovery in the rural tourism sector, which has been severely affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs released 50 recommended travel routes in autumn and winter to visitors from around the world.

The 50 travel routes mostly introduced attractive rural areas and characteristic towns in cities in East China's Jiangsu province. Visitors can plan their trips based on the recommendations.

Four of the travel routes include Wuxi for its beautiful natural scenery and charming cultural deposits.

Nianhua Bay scenic area. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

A two-day tour of characteristic towns in Binhu district, Wuxi, connects Huacai Town in Jiulong Bay, Zhuang Yuan Gu Dao and Nianhua Bay scenic area.

Located on the shores of Taihu Lake, Huacai Town covers 142 hectares and is designed as a new visual garden complex, where flower lovers can come and admire a variety of different species. It has Jiulong Bay flower city, Longwan Garden, the Jiulong Bay flower-themed hotel, Jiulong Bay natural amusements and other flower-related commercial locations.

Zhuang Yuan Gu Dao is a 5-kilometer walking path showcasing wonderful natural scenery. Zhuang yuan means "the top scorer" in ancient Chinese imperial examinations. Located in Hudai town, it was a main road for students to go to the national capital to sit examinations.

Nianhua Bay, located within the renowned Lingshan Grand Buddha scenic area, is gaining popularity as a modern Buddhist resort where visitors can relax, meditate and savor the slow-paced monastic lifestyle.

Meicun town. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

Music lovers should not miss the one-day travel route in Meicun town, Wuxi's Xinwu district. Meicun town is famous as the birthplace of the erhu, the two-string bowed instrument, and today is home to 18 workshops producing approximately 40,000 instruments a year. Meili Ancient Town, Meicun Erhu Culture Park, Taibo Temple and Meicun Erhu Culture Industrial Park will explain the history and development of the erhu.

Photo taken in Yixing shows wonderful natural views. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]

A two-day tour in Jiangyin city reveals views of flowers and trees, including the Hongdo town, Mantingfang Garden and Shishan Lake scenic area.

Yixing is a perfect choice to stay for three days and escape from busy life. The route includes Meixi village, Fangcun village, Meizhiyuan Fruit Garden, Tomato Town Ecological Farm, Jinyun Village Ecological Leisure Resort, Baita village, Yixing Xingwang Cultural Park, Yunhu Scenic Area, Lishan Red Plum Garden and Qianyuan Tea Field.