A cultural show advocating healthy marriage practices is staged in Tongzhou district, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: wxtzfb]

In an innovative stride towards holistic rural development, Tongzhou district, Nantong, is actively promoting rural civilization through various initiatives.

To foster good social customs, Tongzhou holds over 100 cultural performances annually, featuring a diverse range of down-to-earth cultural works that have inspired more than 100,000 local residents.

Another important measure is to use intangible cultural heritage crafts to disseminate social values. For instance, artisans in Erjia town have used Nantong blue calico printing and dyeing to infuse praise-worthy virtues such as family piety and thriftiness into daily items like door curtains and tablecloths.

Incentives are also offered to encourage individuals to engage in good deeds. Those who do so will receive specialized cards that grant them access to free or preferential services on public buses, at scenic spots, and at medical institutions, as well as discounts at over 200 designated merchants within the district.

To strengthen community bonds, Tongzhou has established an extensive volunteer service network that spans towns, villages, and households. The district now boasts 23 professional volunteer service teams, 14 town-level volunteer service detachments, and nearly 1,000 volunteer service squads across various sectors.