Strawberry Picking and Sustainable Travel Drive Tourism Growth in Heping Town, Zhejiang

Published on December 5, 2025

Heping Town, located in Changxing County of Huzhou City in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, is making significant strides in developing its rural tourism industry. On December 4, 2025, tourists were seen picking fresh strawberries at a farm in Bianminqiao Village, enjoying the picturesque countryside experience that has become a hallmark of the area’s growing tourism sector. In recent years, Heping Town has been working diligently to modernize and professionalize its agricultural industry, blending rural tourism with agricultural development to offer both locals and visitors an enriching, sustainable travel experience.

The town’s efforts to integrate modernization, standardization, and digitalization into its agricultural practices are aimed at improving the quality of local products, attracting more tourists, and boosting the local economy. By promoting rural tourism alongside agricultural innovation, Heping Town is not only creating unique travel experiences but also fostering sustainable economic growth for its farming communities.

A New Era of Rural Tourism in Heping Town

Rural tourism in China has gained increasing popularity in recent years, with more urban dwellers seeking authentic countryside experiences that offer a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Heping Town is tapping into this growing trend by combining its rich agricultural heritage with modern tourism initiatives. The town has made it a priority to develop its rural tourism sector, providing visitors with the opportunity to engage in agricultural activities, explore the natural beauty of the area, and learn about sustainable farming practices.

One of the primary attractions in Heping Town is its strawberry picking farms, which have become a major draw for tourists, especially during the harvest season. The farms, which produce some of the region’s finest strawberries, are operated using modern farming techniques that prioritize quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Visitors are encouraged to pick their own strawberries, giving them a hands-on experience of local agriculture and a deeper connection to the food they consume. This type of interactive farming experience is at the core of Heping Town’s rural tourism offerings.

Beyond strawberry picking, the town also offers other agricultural experiences, including visits to organic vegetable farms, tea plantations, and orchards. Tourists can participate in activities like fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and even cooking classes where they learn to prepare traditional dishes using locally grown produce. These experiences allow visitors to appreciate the hard work behind food production while also supporting the local economy.

The Role of Agricultural Modernization in Rural Tourism

Heping Town’s success in boosting rural tourism is closely tied to its efforts to modernize and professionalize its agricultural industry. The town has invested heavily in upgrading farming equipment, introducing digital technologies to manage crops and farm operations, and improving the overall quality of agricultural products. These modernized practices not only enhance the quality of the products sold to tourists but also ensure that the local farming community is competitive in a rapidly changing market.

By implementing standardized farming practices, Heping Town has been able to increase the yield and consistency of its produce, which is essential for meeting the growing demand from tourists. The use of digital tools such as farming apps and sensors has enabled farmers to monitor crop health, optimize irrigation, and reduce the environmental impact of farming. These technological advancements align with the town’s broader goals of sustainability and environmental preservation, which are key components of its tourism offerings.

In addition to these technological advancements, Heping Town has worked on improving infrastructure, including better signage for tourists, enhanced accessibility to rural areas, and the development of visitor-friendly amenities such as rest stops, cafes, and shops that sell locally made products. These improvements ensure that visitors not only enjoy their agricultural experiences but also have a comfortable and seamless journey.

Community Involvement and Economic Growth

The development of rural tourism in Heping Town has also had a significant positive impact on the local community. By promoting agricultural tourism, the town has created new income opportunities for local farmers and small business owners. Farmers are able to supplement their income by offering farm tours, producing value-added products like jams and juices, and selling their produce directly to tourists.

The rise in tourism has also led to the creation of jobs in hospitality, transportation, and service industries, providing employment for local residents. The integration of traditional farming with tourism allows for a more diversified income stream, which is crucial for the long-term economic stability of the area. Moreover, the economic benefits of tourism have encouraged younger generations to stay in the area and take up careers in agriculture, ensuring the sustainability of the farming community for years to come.

Promoting Sustainable Rural Tourism

As rural tourism continues to grow, Heping Town is committed to ensuring that its development remains sustainable and beneficial to both the environment and the local community. The town has implemented measures to protect its natural resources, such as using organic farming techniques, minimizing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices among tourists. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment, participate in waste reduction efforts, and learn about sustainable farming practices during their visits.

Additionally, Heping Town aims to create a balanced relationship between tourism and agriculture by limiting the number of tourists in certain areas to avoid over-exploitation of resources. The town is also exploring partnerships with environmental organizations and agricultural experts to ensure that tourism development does not come at the cost of the region’s natural beauty or agricultural integrity.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Rural Tourism in Heping Town

Heping Town’s efforts to develop its rural tourism industry through agricultural modernization and sustainable practices are setting the stage for a bright future. As more tourists seek out authentic, eco-friendly travel experiences, Heping Town is well-positioned to become a leading rural tourism destination in China. The integration of agriculture and tourism not only benefits visitors but also provides long-term economic stability and growth for the local community.

With its rich agricultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and commitment to sustainable development, Heping Town is becoming a model for rural tourism in China and beyond. As the town continues to develop its tourism offerings, it is likely to see increased visitor numbers, further boosting the local economy and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.