A giant new swimming pool is a wonderful place to take a break these days amid the mountains in Shipu village. The facility is proving to be extremely popular and is boosting tourism and the incomes of the locals. [Photo/lsnews.com.cn]

A huge new swimming pool in Shipu village, Jinshuitan town – located in Yunhe county, Lishui, in East China's Zhejiang province – was full of tourists from across the country recently, all splashing about and having a ball in the water and enjoying some rare summer cool.

Located by the upstream of the Oujiang River and 12 kilometers away from the county seat, Shipu is an ancient water village with a history of more than 600 years.

In line with the rural revitalization program and the construction of beautiful villages, Jinshuitan town took advantage of Shipu's traditional cultural elements and natural environment and transformed disused land into an outdoor swimming pool.

The swimming pool was officially opened in August 2020 with a total investment of 7.29 million yuan ($1.12 million). It covers an area of more than 7,000 square meters and includes a 1,050-sq-m international standard swimming pool and a 3,340-sq-m paddling pool.

Located by the Oujiang River, the pool uses sterilized filtered water from the river and the mountain spring. The bottom of the pool is paved with tiles that present a starry pattern.

"The pool site has some great views, the air is fresh and the water is clean. Swimming in an environment like this makes me feel relaxed, physically and mentally," said a tourist from Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang.

The new pool has gone viral on the internet and it now can receive nearly 1,000 visitors per day.

The popular facility is said to have effectively promoted the development of surrounding tourism and helped increased the incomes of the locals.