A view of Huaniao Island in Shengsi county in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsqdxq]

Zhao Xiafa, a 77-year-old resident of Huaniao Island of Shengsi county in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, has been leasing his home to a homestay owner and earning rental income that has improved his life. 

This scenario has been made possible by Shengsi authorities who have been helping senior citizens lease their homes to homestay operators as part of efforts to bolster the county's tourism sector and common prosperity drive. 

More than 30 houses on the island have been rented out to homestay owners and over 60 seniors have benefited from this initiative. 

Authorities have also implemented a series of measures to eliminate poverty. For example, they have provided greater support to disadvantaged communities, including the handicapped and people with chronic diseases. 

On June 10, 2021, the decision to designate Zhejiang as a demonstration zone for common prosperity was announced in a guideline jointly released by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet. 

The annual per capita disposable income in Zhejiang is expected to reach 75,000 yuan ($11,042) by 2025, while the income disparity between urban and rural residents should be less than 1.9 times, according to the plan.