Xiajiang village, located in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, is renowned for its natural beauty and tourism resources. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhejiang province, renowned for its economic balance and steady growth, leads China in both urban and rural per capita disposable incomes.

At a provincial conference in December 2024, officials announced intensified efforts to tackle regional imbalances, urban-rural divides, and income differences.

County-level cities, often overlooked in favor of larger urban centers, are emerging as key to Zhejiang's development strategy.

These cities act as bridges between urban and rural areas, helping to reduce economic disparities. Zhejiang is trying to meet diverse consumption needs, from providing rural workers with urban stability to attracting urbanites in search of quieter lifestyles.

Village residents specializing in artisanal crafts, eco-tourism, camping, and cultural preservation are gaining traction with consumers through strategic branding and digital outreach.

Zhejiang's vision for urban-rural integration goes beyond incremental reforms. By removing long-standing barriers between cities and rural areas, the province is enabling the free flow of talent, capital, and resources, creating an interconnected economic landscape.

A key initiative fosters two-way migration: urban residents are discovering new investment opportunities in the countryside, while rural workers face fewer challenges in transitioning to city life.

Policies supporting entrepreneurship and rural leadership further ensure that skilled individuals have both the resources and incentives to succeed, wherever they choose to contribute.