Anji county in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

Huzhou's Anji county was recently listed among national models for rural construction work, according to a notice released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

A total of three places from East China's Zhejiang province made the list.

As of June, Anji was home to 31 provincial beautiful villages, including five national level ones.

The county's rural environment has witnessed great improvements thanks to campaigns launched by the local government to promote the treatment of sewage water and household garbage, and to facilitate the upgrading of public toilets.

In 2017, the Mantangli village construction project from Anji won the "China Habitat Environment Example Award".

Great efforts have been made by local authorities to protect local history and culture. The county is now home to a national level historical and cultural village and a national level traditional village.

Situated in the junction of the Taihu Plain and Mount Mogan, Anji is the birthplace of the concept that states that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".

Huzhou's Anji county has been hailed by Chinese netizens as a "mini Switzerland in Zhejiang" due to its unspoiled natural views.

It has also been designated China's first ecological county. The county was also ranked among the top 100 counties nationwide for beautiful village construction.

An ancient town in Anji county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]