The agricultural park in Tang'ao village, Ningbo. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

The city of Ningbo – located in East China's Zhejiang province – is transforming its agricultural landscape with a new initiative to develop more than 10 agricultural parks in the current year.

Designed to integrate farming with tourism and cultural experiences, the parks will be established in peri-urban areas, key agricultural zones and along major roads. Some areas in Ningbo have already pioneered the approach.

The village of Tang'ao in Xiangshan county has created an agricultural park themed on "Spring Blossoms, Autumn Harvest". Featuring walking paths, rural-themed attractions and scenic installations, the park has become a hot destination for both visitors and locals.

The success of Tang'ao's agricultural park highlights the economic potential of the projects. By incorporating interactive experiences such as farm tours, workshops and live-streaming events, the village has boosted its rural income.

In 2024, its collective revenue hit 2.48 million yuan ($340,000), with 705,000 yuan generated from business operations alone.

In Zhenhai district, the Ningbo Metropolitan Agriculture Park is expanding with a second-phase project in Jiaochuan subdistrict.

Covering 217 hectares, this modern agricultural park will feature an agricultural research center, a cultural and creative hub, an urban farm and an eco-fishing park. Positioned as a high-tech agricultural hub, it’s expected to enhance innovation and sustainable farming in northern Ningbo.

According to the Ningbo municipal bureau of agriculture and rural affairs, agricultural parks represent an evolution of rural leisure and agri-tourism.

Unlike traditional farm tourism, these parks merge ecological landscapes, farming traditions and modern agricultural production. Local authorities plan to enhance farmland aesthetics, preserve rural heritage and create immersive cultural and recreational experiences.

Moving forwards, Ningbo aims to optimize its land use by consolidating smaller plots into larger, more efficient farms. Infrastructure improvements – including scenic pathways and rural rest stations – will further transform agricultural areas into vibrant public spaces, turning farmland into parks and production zones into scenic attractions.