A view of Xiaowu Shitang village of Putuo district in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Zhoushan Daily]

Authorities in Xiaowu Shitang village of Putuo district in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province have in recent years been exploring means of advancing the village's transformation by developing marine tourism.

For example, authorities have been channeling more resources towards developing its homestay industry to provide better experiences to visitors, and the village is currently home to 53 boutique homestays. 

Authorities have also attached great significance to the village's infrastructures. The village is planning to invest 50 million yuan to improve its infrastructure over the next three years, said Ying Zhoudong, Party secretary of the village. Efforts will include building a road and a parking lot as well as reconstructing sewage pipes networks. 

Authorities have also been working to attract more youths to start businesses in the village.

One such person who has done so is Ni Chenxiang, who returned to his hometown in 2021 to open a homestay. He noted that facilities such as paddling pools and hobbyhorse should be built to cater to the demands of young visitors. 

In addition, authorities have been making efforts to integrate culture and tourism by developing a series of cultural and creative products. 

The village is now a popular tourism destination because of its unique geographical location and natural resources such as black beaches, said local authorities.