Nestled amid mountains and meandering waterways, Lishui in East China's Zhejiang province has nurtured a myriad of traditional villages for centuries.

As the city with the highest number of traditional villages in Zhejiang, Lishui has set an example for comprehensive protection and innovative development of traditional villages.

By tailoring strategies to local conditions and implementing comprehensive measures, a systematic protection mechanism for traditional villages has been established in the city, covering all of its 268 national and 198 provincial traditional villages.

Lishui has explored a sustainable path combining protection with development through village-specific strategies, involving diverse participants and integrating multiple industries.

Ancient architecture is well preserved in a traditional village in Songyang county, Lishui. [Photo/Tide News]

By harnessing the historical culture, ecological offerings, and traditional crafts of villages, Lishui has developed distinctive industries integrating agriculture, culture, and tourism, boosting the innovative development of traditional villages.

For example, in Chenjiapu village, Sidu township, Songyang county, multiple business formats have been integrated on the basis of architectural restoration and cultural protection, creating distinctive cultural landmarks like the "Most Beautiful Bookstore on the Cliff".

Lishui will continue to focus on key areas to promote the comprehensive protection and innovative development of traditional villages. Through the innovative integration of traditional culture and tourism, the historical value and cultural charm of traditional villages will be more fully showcased.