An aerial view of Digang village in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/VCG]

The United Nations World Tourism Organization held its fifth Best Tourism Villages award ceremony on Oct 17 in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, awarding the honor to four villages in China including Huzhou's Digang village.

This recognition makes Zhejiang the only province in China to have four villages on the list, following the inclusion of Huzhou's Yucun village in 2021, Hangzhou's Xiajiang village in 2023, and Lishui's Xitou village in 2024.

Digang village, located in Huzhou's Nanxun district, is famous for its historical and cultural importance. Situated on the southern shore of Taihu Lake and crossed by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, it has a history spanning 2,500 years.

The village hosts the world's most complete Mulberry-Dyke and Fish-Pond System. This circular eco-agricultural model is characterized as "raising silkworms with mulberry leaves, feeding fish with silkworm feces, and fertilizing mulberries with pond mud". It was recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in 2017.

A traditional folk activity is held in Digang village. [Photo/VCG]

Embracing sustainable development, Digang village has developed a zero-pollution ecological cycle that integrates agriculture and aquaculture.

The village has revitalized its cultural assets, attracting youth and transforming old shops into vibrant businesses.

It has also established a cultural exhibit and culinary street, developed study tours, and held various folk activities, integrating local fish and silk farming culture and significantly boosting local tourism income.

In 2024, Digang village welcomed visitors from over 40 countries and regions, generating tourism revenue exceeding 100 million yuan ($14.04 million).