Yangmei town, located in the southern part of Huazhou city, has recently undergone a remarkable transformation as part of Guangdong province's rural vitalization project.

The project, with a total investment of 1.85 billion yuan ($285 million), started construction on Oct 18 last year. It includes the aesthetic enhancements in Yangmei town, as well as the construction of scenic pathways and agricultural parks.

By creating a diversified industrial ecosystem in the town, the project aims to stimulate the production of distinctive agricultural tourism products and local industries.

An agricultural park pavilion. [Photo/WeChat account: maofabu]

Beautiful boardwalks and pavilions now border the Yangmei town section of the Yangmei River. The agricultural parks within the town now cultivate various crops, such as corn and chili peppers.

The circular fountain in Yangmei town. [Photo/WeChat account: maofabu]

At the entrance of Yangmei town, there is a circular fountain featuring a large-scale sculpture of tilapia, a specialty fish in the freshwater aquaculture industry. This highlights the town's industrial characteristics as the leading center for freshwater aquaculture and tilapia farming.

To date, some 7.6 kilometers of the town's roads have undergone comprehensive improvements, and the facades of 760 buildings have been enhanced, including the installation of 95 window decorations and 396 storefront signs.

After implementing these vitalization efforts, Yangmei town now attracts an average daily throughput of over 8,000 people, a dramatic increase from the previous 2,000 daily visitors.

The increase in tourists has not only increased consumption, but also drove up the local economy.