Thirteen villages and communities in Zhangjiagang have been selected for the second batch of Jiangsu province's "Livable, Business-Friendly, and Harmonious Villages" list, recognizing their progress in rural vitalization and quality-of-life improvements.
The honored locations include Zhashang village in Yangshe town, Fuli village and Nangang village in Jinfeng town, Miaoqiao community in Tangqiao town, Changfeng village in Leyu Town, Xiashi village in Fenghuang town, Yongfeng village in Nanfeng town, Qiaotou village in Daxin town, Changnan community in Changyinsha Modern Agriculture Demonstration Zone, Dongshan village in Jingang subdistrict, Xincheng village and Gaoqiao village in Houcheng subdistrict, and Chaonan village in Deji subdistrict.
Zhangjiagang has in recent years prioritized the integrated development of ecological health, rural industry, and quality living under the banner of "beautiful environment, vibrant economy, and fulfilling lifestyles". The city continues to promote rural vitalization by building comprehensive demonstration villages with strong local identities and replicable practices.
Key initiatives include the construction of specialty pastoral villages, livable demonstration zones, and upgraded rural housing projects. Through grassroots campaigns such as "Village Clean-Up Days", locals are encouraged to take part in village planning, infrastructure development, and facility maintenance. To date, Zhangjiagang has developed 12 provincial-level specialty pastoral villages, 21 Suzhou-level boutique villages, 24 livable demonstration zones, and 699 livable rural communities.
Looking ahead, the city plans to further integrate agriculture, culture, and tourism by vitalizing rural resources and expanding industries such as agritourism, hands-on farming experiences, creative agriculture, and wellness retreats. Through innovative rural models and mechanisms that benefit farmers directly, the city is charting a unique path of integrated rural development with local characteristics — boosting incomes, strengthening agriculture, and transforming the countryside.
An aerial view of villages in Zhangjiagang. [Photo/VCG]