Huaniao Island in Zhoushan. [Photo/Tide News]

Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province is expanding its "wall-less" startup parks initiative, helping attract entrepreneurs to rural villages and islands while creating new job opportunities and tourism-driven businesses.

Unlike traditional startup parks, this model does not rely on a single enclosed site. Instead, it connects businesses across villages through shared policies, coordinated services, and local resources.

The city has established 14 such parks, bringing together 651 businesses and creating 4,769 job opportunities. In 2025, these businesses generated a combined revenue of 197 million yuan (about $29 million).

The concept was first developed in Zhanmao township, where nearly 80 businesses, including cultural studios, cafes, restaurants, and creative workshops, have been established. The township has attracted more than 220 entrepreneurs, with over 65 percent coming from outside the area.

The model has since expanded across Zhoushan, with projects ranging from homestay clusters in Huaniao township to cultural businesses built around the legacy of writer Sanmao (Echo Chen, a famous Taiwan writer) in Miaoqiao village, as well as island-themed tourism ventures on Dongji Island.

The city plans to establish two more parks this year, aiming to strengthen links between dining, cultural experiences, retail, and tourism, encouraging visitors to stay longer and boosting the long-term vitality of rural communities.