A village in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. [Photo/VCG]

Zhejiang province is advancing its urban-rural integration efforts by extending urban infrastructure, expanding public services, and channeling resources into rural areas, creating a model for balanced development.

In 2023, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in Zhejiang surpassed 40,000 yuan ($5,455), leading the nation for the 39th consecutive year. The income gap between urban and rural residents narrowed from a ratio of 2.37 in 2012 to 1.86 in 2023. Meanwhile, Zhejiang's urbanization rate reached 74.2 percent, eight percentage points above the national average.

Zhejiang aims to deepen its approach by rediscovering the value of rural areas, expanding their functions, and fostering new industries.

The province plans to enhance the carrying capacity of county-level cities, invigorate rural economies, and promote more equitable public services. These efforts align with Zhejiang's commitment to rural vitalization and achieving common prosperity, setting a national benchmark for integrated regional development.