The county-level city of Xinghua, administered by Taizhou city in East China's Jiangsu province, has launched four rural tourism routes for the upcoming May Day holiday and the following is a route for visitors to travel along the S352 line.
Tangzhuang village in Chenbao town
Boasting over 600 years of recorded history, Tangzhuang village also has herds of elk that are attracted to its abundant water and grass resources. For a cool country walk, visitors can spend some of their precious leisure time by heading out to Jishan Bridge, Mashi Street and the 520 Slow Trail.
A great option is to mosey along to the Lixia River Plain Fishing Park to watch the major fishing competition there on May 3 or try your hand at fishing and go camping yourself.
A fisherman contentedly rows his boat, as many birds keep him company. [Photo/WeChat account: xinghuafabu]
Self-driving destination: Tangzhuang village in Chenbao town
Bus: 218-1
Contact: Zhai Longsheng, 15850873621
Donghu village in Zhouzhuang town
Donghu village is the birthplace of the first rural Party branch in the Lixia River plain, making it a good place to relive a period of Red and turbulent times.
Walking in the village, visitors can appreciate lush, century-old camphor trees and clear rivers and lakes.
Self-driving destination: Donghu village in Zhouzhuang town
Bus: 211-3 (Zhouzhuang Dainan)
Contact: Sheng Jinping, 13505269052
Yinzhuang village in Zhouzhuang town
Surrounded by nine rivers, the village is filled with dragon elements. During traditional festivals, there are enchanting folk customs such as temple fairs, dragon dances and dragon boat races.
The farming and fishing amusement park, flower plantation and leisure fishing parks are all good places to enjoy farming and to take time out and relax.
Self-driving destination: Yinzhuang village in Zhouzhuang town
Bus: 211 (Zhouzhuang), 211-1 (Zhouzhuang Zhouze), 211-2 (Zhouzhuang Yaotou), 211-3 (Zhouzhuang Dainan), 211-4 (Zhouzhuang Tengma)
Contact: Zhou Gen, 13961088625
A bird's-eye view of Yinzhuang village in Zhouzhuang town. [Photo/WeChat account: xinghuafabu]
Peima village in Dainan town
The martial arts culture just thrives in Peima village. Visitors can, for example, see wall paintings of the 108 heroes who are the main characters in the classic Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Chinese novel the Water Margin.
The ecological aquaculture area on the west side of the village brings the fragrance of fruits and vegetables when harvest season arrives.
Self-driving destination: Peima village in Dainan town
Bus: 211-3 (Zhouzhuang Dainan)
Contact: Liu Yonghua, 13905269111
Nanke village in Taozhuang town
The customs and skills of Nanke village are still being passed down the generations, including the ancient methods for oil extraction and metal ironwork. Visitors can experience these up close and try to take in something of the thousands of years of local folk art.
Self-driving destination: Nanke village in Taozhuang town
Bus: 234-1 (Sanxia Nanke), 234-2 (Taozhuang Nanke)
Contact: Ke Qingbin, 15952699947