Trainees battle it out, while on a water rescue course in Dajun town. [Photo/WeChat account: zgsxjn]

The turbulent waters of Dajun town in Jingning She autonomous county – administered by Lishui city in East China's Zhejiang province – are quite literally powering the area towards prosperity.

Dajun lays claim to having rapids with strong currents in its rivers and the locals are now putting that local feature to sound commercial use.

"The water quality of Dajun has been maintained at the Class I level for years and the village has powerful water flows, making it a natural water rescue training site," said Xia Chunlai, a professional water rescue training coach.

"I have traveled all over the country in recent years and in terms of water rescue and training, Dajun has the best conditions in China."

As a result, Dajun has attracted a large number of firefighters across the country to train there, with one training session for one trainee bringing in about 6,000 yuan ($925) of income. The popular training program is said to have effectively boosted local tourism and helped increase the incomes of the locals.

Since 2020 Dajun has carried out more than 50 water rescue training programs, with over 2,300 trainees, generating total profits of more than 13.8 million yuan.

This commercial success has reportedly made the locals ever more aware of just how invaluable their green mountains and lucid waters are.

"This year, Dajun plans to develop research and educational tourism. We hope to attract children from the city with our fresh air and beautiful starry skies," said Wang Weixiao, secretary of the Party committee of Dajun village.

Dajun has launched innovative educational tourist routes – focusing on such things as physical education, practical scientific education and the local culture – in a bid to achieve further prosperity in the remote mountain area.