The Zhejiang government work report released at the first session of the 13th Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress mentioned that the province would be developed into "a picturesque Zhejiang, a beautiful home", aiming to establish a well-balanced environment where people can connect with nature. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The Zhejiang government work report released at the first session of the 13th Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress mentioned that the province would be developed into "a picturesque Zhejiang, a beautiful home", aiming to establish a well-balanced environment where people can connect with nature.

What would "a picturesque Zhejiang" look like and how should it be built? Huang Huanli, head of Xiangshan county, Ningbo said that elements of the local environment will be taken into account to ensure that the plan highlights the best of what each area has to offer. "We believe Xiangshan should be built into an aquatic garden."

"The government work report suggests that the gap between rural and urban areas exists and I think this also poses a problem for the environment," said Gao Anzhong, member of the Party committee of Pujiang County Agricultural Bureau. Gao thinks in order to improve Zhejiang's environment and tourism, it's important to narrow the gap between these two areas.

A few days ago, 14 towns in Zhejiang province were officially designated tourism towns. Director of the Zhoushan Tourism Committee, Cao Hong, said, "Tourism towns were selected according to their tourism value. Tourists have been visiting these towns because of the cultural heritage the town has to offer; such as the historic architecture and folk traditions like dragon boat races or ancestor worshipping ceremonies."

Cao thinks the key to building "a picturesque Zhejiang" is through culture. "Many places have beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers, but local culture is what makes a place stand out."

Developments for the "picturesque Zhejiang" strategy are meant to benefit Zhejiang residents. "People will instinctively respect and maintain the environment after we combine environmental protection efforts with industry upgrades," said Zhu Fajun, director of the water arrangement office of the Zhejiang Water Resources Department, "To reach the goal of building a picturesque Zhejiang, a long-term and efficient system needs to be established."