Rural Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/hz66.com]

Huzhou in East China's Zhejiang province witnessed robust growth in rural tourism in 2021.

Official statistics show that the city's rural areas welcomed more than 54 million tourists last year, generating 12.7 billion yuan ($1.95 billion), up 23.71 percent and 16.82 percent, respectively.

Nanxun district was designated a provincial "all-for-one" tourism demonstration zone, making Huzhou the only city in Zhejiang to see all of its administrative areas achieve this honor.

Yucun village in Huzhou's Anji county was honored as one of the 2021 "Best Tourism Villages" at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Madrid on Dec 2.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative created by the UNWTO aims to advance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages and their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, and values and activities, including local gastronomy.

The number of national key scenic villages in Huzhou also increased to eight, more than any other city in the province.

In 2021, the city also launched a campaign to promote the upgrading of over 1,000 tourism facilities, with a total investment of 2.245 billion yuan.

This year, Huzhou will continue with efforts to develop rural homestays, hotels and agritainment facilities, with a goal of becoming a national model city for "all-in-one" tourism.