A rural area in Zhoushan. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsrbs]

Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province plans to build 50 future villages by 2025, according to the municipal bureau of agriculture and rural affairs.

"We believe that residents of future villages should have a sense of belonging and comfortable living in the village," said an official from the bureau, adding that these villages should also have their own characteristics.

Future villages in Zhoushan boast prosperous industrial development, beautiful living environments, a variety of cultural activities, digital administrative services, and more than 500,000 yuan ($79,000) in annual rural collective operating revenue, according to the official.

The city will construct future villages based on nine key factors, including industry, appearance, culture, health, and transportation, the official added.

For example, residents of future villages will be able to visit a doctor located within a 20-minute drive and use public sports facilities located just 15 minutes away.

Construction of future villages has started in five villages, including Xinjian, Ma'ao, and Huangyangjian, in the city last year. Twelve more villages are expected to begin construction this year.