An aerial view of Taozhu town. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

Nestling between the mountains and sea in East China's Zhejiang province, Taozhu town in Taizhou is known for its volcanic landforms dating back 80 million years. 

The area also carries a rich cultural legacy, from General Qi Jiguang's victory over pirates during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to its role as a wartime stronghold during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

Agriculture in Taozhu has thrived since the 10th century, when residents began reclaiming tidal flats for farmland. Today, the town continues to turn its natural resources into cultural landscapes.

In 2021, Taozhu launched a land transfer program, covering over 66 hectares across 1,496 households. Farmers were given clear incentives, paving the way for integrated agriculture and tourism. 

To further enhance its appeal, Taozhu invited experts from the China Academy of Art and the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences to design scenic flower fields and optimize crop rotation. The introduction of early-blooming rapeseed has added seasonal vibrancy to the countryside. Fishing, once limited to nearshore operations, has also embraced technology and innovation, diversifying local industry.

Today, Taozhu promotes a green development path by weaving farming culture, fisheries, landscapes, and heritage into rural tourism — creating new prosperity while preserving its thousand-year-old harvest story.