Zhangjiagang's Chennan village works to develop a more beautiful countryside. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

Chennan village in the county-level city of Zhangjiagang has been making efforts to develop a more beautiful countryside and improve the living environment for local residents, according to a local news report on Sept 9.

Toilets, kitchens, and courtyards in local villages have been renovated since the launch of the "beautiful countryside construction" project, and more and more villagers are choosing to return to their hometown, according to Ding Yaoping, Party secretary of the village.

Managing and protecting watercourses in Chennan village is also a main focus of villagers, and a system of river and lake chiefs has been established across the village, with 36 watercourses seeing significant improvements.

A clean village campaign was also carried out to encourage locals to abandon outdated customs and bad habits. Over the past three years, a total of 15 small, poorly-managed, and heavily-polluting enterprises and workshops have been closed, with nearly 60 mu (4 hectares) of damaged arable land resuming cultivation.

Ding said that in the future, the village will establish a long-term management system for the rural living environment and introduce regulations on environmental protection. It will put more focus on collaboration, participation, and people’s common interests.