Small village sets example for China's beautiful countryside

Industries driving economic growth

Livability alone, however, is not enough to secure a village's future. In Tengtou, environmental protection has gone hand in hand with efforts to build industries that create jobs and secure long-term incomes for residents.

A scenic area in Tengtou village. [Photo/China.org.cn]

For years, the village has pursued an eco-driven development path that aligns local industries with environmental priorities. Tourism was the first sector to take shape.

Green fields and clean waterways proved to be the village's strongest draw. In 2019, Tengtou removed the ticket fees for its 5A-level scenic area, a move that initially drew skepticism but later helped energize the local economy by boosting homestays, agricultural product sales, and related businesses. In 2025, the village recorded a tourism revenue of 131 million yuan and received nearly 900,000 visitors.