The tourist road encircling Shenxianju, a national 5A scenic spot located in Xianju county, Taizhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfb001]

A tourist road encircling Shenxianju, a national 5A scenic spot located in Xianju county, Taizhou, Zhejiang province, has been awarded the prestigious title of the "Most Popular Road in My Neighborhood" for 2023 by the Ministry of Transport.

Stretching nearly 40 kilometers, the route winds through the towns of Tianshi, Baita, and Danzhu, connecting over 20 administrative villages and showcasing a tapestry of iconic scenic locales in Xianju.

The road has previously garnered esteemed accolades, including the title of the "Most Beautiful Rural Road in China" by the China Highway Society in 2020 and recognition as one of the top 10 most exquisite rural roads in Zhejiang. Additionally, it has been selected as a pioneering exemplar for the harmonized advancement of transportation and tourism on a national scale.

Its establishment has had a transformative impact on the villages it passes through. With a daily influx of over 8,000 tourist vehicles and attracting more than 20,000 visitors, the tourism industry along the road has flourished. The number of rural inns and farmhouse eateries now exceeds 400 establishments, constituting over 60 percent of Xianju's total. Consequently, the average annual income of local residents has experienced a significant increase, fostering a heightened sense of contentment and well-being within the community.